Night 'n Day Otago Nuggets (2-12, 12th) v Steelformers Taranaki Airs (8-6, 4th)
The Nuggets continue to hunt an elusive win to stop their now 10-game slide, but the effort and enthusiasm hasn't abandoned them as they make every outing a grind. The Airs now have a losing streak of their own after dropping 2 straight and injury questions hover over the squad. Will the Nugs finally get a second home win or will the Airs right the ship to solidify their spot in the top four.
When: Saturday 7th June, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal's NBL 7:30pm
Where: Edgar Centre, Dunedin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 5 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Nuggets made the trip to Porirua to face the high-flying Saints and came out with strong intent, trading blows early and briefly taking a 15–14 lead. However, a 12–0 run by Wellington across the first and second quarters shifted the momentum and put Otago on the back foot. Despite the Saints’ starters all pushing toward double figures, with Nick Marshall leading the way with 24 points and 7 boards, the Nuggets refused to go quietly. Jaylen Sebree sparked life into the visitors with a passionate performance, posting 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. A Sebree-fuelled 12-0 surge in the second half brought the Nuggets back within three. Otago continued to battle but couldn’t break through down the stretch, as the Saints tightened the screws defensively to close out a hard-fought 91–79 win.
The Airs traveled to the deep south, hoping to avenge a loss on their home court to the Sharks just a week ago. It looked good early for the Airs as they took an early lead, but the Sharks kept battling back in a game neither could take control of. Jaylen Gerrand (14pts) and Dom Kelman-Poto (15pts) were influential off the bench as Carlin Davison (26pts, 6rbs, 8ast) led from the front. But Keylan Boone (26pts, 7rbs) and Caleb Asberry (21pts, 4rbs, 9ast) would find form and get the Sharks to the lead late. The Airs ran out of gas down the stretch, going down 99-90 but an injury to Davision may end up being more important than the loss.
What to Expect:
The Nuggets continue to grind out gameplans against opponents keeping scores tight throughout contests, but have been unable to execute as games close, resulting in a now 10-game slide. But the losing streak hasn't effected the effort levels as the Nugs continue to stick to their game plan hoping to play spoiler. They've been excellent from three, and bomb away with regularity, helping to make up the talent deficit. Their defense needs to find a way to lock down for periods of time, improved effort on the glass would be of help, especially against an Airs team that crashes the glass. They will give up some size once again, so will need to give help to Jaylen Sebree and Jono Janssen on the glass to stay in the game.
Carlin Davison is a game time decision, but anyone who saw him go down would be skeptical of his appearance just two days later. If he is unable to go the gameplan will be very different, as Davison has become integral the Airs game plan, as a defender, scorer and playmaker. New recruits Craig Moller and Deng Duk failed to find efficiency last time out (combining to go 6-25 from the field) but should find better form with each contest. Jack Andrew could have real influence as he visits his former team for the first time, as the Nuggets don't have a ton of options to match up with his size. DKP and Gerrand should both find influence once again, and will be paramount if Davision is a gameday scratch.
Matchup to Watch: Jono Janssen v Jack Andrew - The bigs can easily make an imprint on the game, Andrew will look to crash the glass, finish out of the pick and roll and patrol the paint to dissuade drives. But Janssen has the skill set to neutralise his counterparts effectiveness, with his shooting drawing him out of the paint allowing him to utilise his quickness off the drive.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Nuggets | Airs |
| Scoring Offense | 88.14 (7th) | 95.86(2nd) |
| Scoring Defense | 97.43 (last) | 91.71 (5th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 51% (10th) | 52% (6th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 49% (last) | 44% (2nd) |
| Free Throw Rate | 28% (6th) | 33% (2nd) |
| Free Throw % | 65% (last) | 73% (5th) |
| Three Point Rate | 44% (1st) | 36% (10th) |
| Three Point % | 33% (5th) | 31% (7th) |
| Turnover Rate | 12% (4th) | 12% (6th) |
| Assist Rate | 57% (5th) | 56% (8th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 24% (9th) | 31% (2nd) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 72% (8th) | 75% (4th) |
| Block Rate | 5% (last) | 10% (2nd) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (4th) | 10% (3rd) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
