Night 'n Day Otago Nuggets (3-4, 9th) v Logik Franklin Bulls (5-2, 4th)
The Nuggets have dropped two in a row on their home court and will need to find the confidence that propelled them during an earlier 3 game winning streak but the Bulls know how to break confidence with their tough brand of physical defense and improving offense. Can Otago grab a win and keep pace with the Final 6 chase or will the Bulls grab their 4th road win in 5 tries to rampage their way back to the top of the table?
When: Wednesday 9th April, Rapid League 6pm, Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: Edgar Centre, Dunedin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 1 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
The Nuggets hosted a Saints squad that was came out of the gates hot with a 9-0 start to put the hosts into a big hole. The Nuggets would muster run in the first quarter and after Jono Jansen (20pts) drained a triple the Nuggets were within 1. But Shea Ili (31pts, 8ast) would enter the game and the Saints offense found another level stretching the lead to 25 as Hyrum Harris (24pts, 13rbs, 5ast) was his usual hub of energy. Don Carey Jr (26pts, 8rbs, 8ast) and the Nuggets would keep the work rate up, bringing the deficit to 10 points in the third but they would never truly challenge a Saints squad that would hold fort down the stretch to claim a 111-99 win.
The Bulls hosted the Rams in a clash where top spot on the ladder would go to the victor. Ethan Rusbatch (19pts) was welcomed back and stepped right into early jump shots that catapulted the Bulls to a a 14 point first quarter lead. It would turn into a physical affair with a finals like atmosphere where neither team would back down. Tohi Smith-Milner (23pts, 4-9 3pfg) would find his flow offensively and the Rams collective would surge to a 7 point lead on his triple early in the 4th. But Tae Hardy (30pts, 4rbs, 6ast) would respond and with support from the Cameron brothers (19pts each) the Rams would regain control stretching the lead again before claiming the win, 103-94, and top spot on the ladder.
What to Look For:
The Nuggets bomb away from deep with the 4th highest 3point rate but have an effective field goal percentage (efg%) that is 7% higher than league average but also attack the rim for 41% of their shots, albeit at an efg 7% below league average. This is fueled by Carey Jr (26ppg, 5.8rpg, 6.5apg, 42% 3pfg on 60 att) on the perimeter and Jose Perez (20.9ppg, 7.7rpg, 5.7apg) on the interior. When things are going well a big chunk of their offense can come at the Chemist Warehouse behind Perez's (73 fta) upfake skills to keep the offense ticking. Jaylen Sebree (14.3ppg, 7rpg) has been solid but is yet to break out while Jansen (17ppg) has been steadily lifting his offensive production. Christian Martin seems to be the most trusted of local crew but they have many who have stood up when called upon in previous years.
The Bulls take fewer three's than all but one team but that should lift with Rusbatch in the fold, as adding a knockdown shooter should give everyone on the perimeter more space, but they are reliant on attacking the basket, with 59% of their shots at the rim (40%) or in the paint (19%) with a further 6% of shots coming in the midrange. They shoot these shots at a high percentage somewhat easing the burden of keeping pace with top shooting teams. Tae Hardy (21.4ppg, 6.3apg, 2stls) has been a driver for the Bulls on both ends of the court but this is a squad with a defensive identity. Til Gloger (11.3ppg, 5.3rpg) and David Okwera (11.5ppg, 8.2rpg) are responsible for the heavy lifing inside, Tobias (9.6ppg, 5.arpg) and Flynn (14.7ppg, 5rpg) Cameron providing stout defense and improving offense on the wing while vet Marcel Jones (8ppg, 5.6rpg) swings between the two.
Matchup to Watch: Donald Carey Jr v Tae Hardy - Two guards instrumental to their teams performances will match up and look to grab the upper hand throughout the night. Carey Jr looking to create space for his three point shot while Hardy will look to find penetration lanes with more fervor but happy to shoot the jumper when it's given
Stats That Might Matter:
| Stat | Otago | Franklin |
| Scoring Offense | 92ppg, (6th) | 86.71ppg (9th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 52% (6th) | 52% (7th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 34% (2nd) | 25% (9th) |
| Free Throw % | 67% (9th) | 71% (6th) |
| Three Point Rate | 43% (4th) | 34% (11th) |
| Three Point % | 38% (1st) | 32% (9th) |
| Turnover Rate | 12% (2nd) | 18% (last) |
| Assist Rate | 62% (3rd) | 54% (10th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 25% (7th) | 31% (2nd) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 76% (6th) | 76% (4th) |
| Block Rate | 5% (last) | 11% (1st) |
| Steal Rate | 8% (11th) | 12% (2nd) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
