Night 'n Day Otago Nuggets (2-15, 11th) v The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (7-10, 9th)
When: Friday 27th June, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal's NBL 7:30pm
Where: Edgar Centre, Dunedin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 3 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube | TikTok Livestream: sksportnz
Last Time Out:
The Nuggets hosted the red-hot Rams in Dunedin but were overwhelmed from the opening tip, as the visitors applied relentless pressure at both ends of the floor. Despite the efforts of Don Carey Jr and Jono Janssen, who tried to generate offense, Otago struggled to find rhythm against the Rams’ swarming defense. The Nuggets were held to just 32% shooting from the field and committed 26 turnovers, which Canterbury ruthlessly turned into 31 points. On the other end, the Nuggets couldn’t contain a Rams offense that scored 27 or more points in every quarter, with six players hitting double figures and Sean MacDonald pouring in 27. It was a tough night at the office for Otago, who fell 113-59 as their losing streak reached 13 games.
The Whai headed to Wellington short-handed, missing a few players and their head coach (away with the Junior Tall Blacks), but still hopeful of upsetting the Saints for a second time this season. The opening quarter was competitive, but the Saints’ defense soon took control. A devastating Saints 20-0 run in the third quarter effectively ended the contest. Jordan Ngatai was a key for a Saints squad that featured five players in double figures. Anzac Rissetto was the standout for the Whai, but 15 turnovers and inefficient shooting from both the field (43%) and the stripe (47%) meant the offense never found enough rhythm, resulting in a 103-77 loss.
What to Expect:
The Nuggets have battled hard and stayed competitive in most games, but a lack of size and depth has consistently caught up with them in fourth quarters. Still, this is a team that comes out prepared and does its best to dictate tempo. They’re efficient from deep and shoot enough volume to stay in the fight on a good night. Carey Jr. and Janssen remain key to the offense, but Otago will need additional contributions from Jaylen Sebree, along with defensive grit from Matthew Bardsley, Josh Aitcheson, and the bench unit. The Whai play one of the league’s slowest paces, which could work in the Nuggets' favor. If Otago hits from the outside and holds their nerve defensively, they could finish their home campaign with a morale boosting win.
The Whai will once again be without a full squad and head coach, but still have the tools to win. Rissetto anchors the middle with a physical edge and has a size advantage in every matchup. The guard rotation of Kruz Perrott-Hunt, Mojave King, and Jayden Bezzant will be key if the Whai look to push the tempo more than usual — all three can score and create in space. Sean Bairstow should present matchup problems, though he’s been in a scoring slump, having topped double figures just once in his last five outings. Denhym Brooke and Sean Murphy provide switchable depth, and defensively the Whai can ramp up the pressure. If they can generate turnovers and get into transition, their postseason hopes will remain alive heading into the final round.
Matchup to Watch: Jono Janssen vs. Anzac Rissetto -Janssen has held down the paint all season despite regularly giving up size, but Rissetto’s strength and ability to finish inside will be a major test. If Rissetto can stay on the floor and avoid foul trouble, the Whai have the edge. If Janssen can neutralize him, Otago may finally snap the streak.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Nuggets | Whai |
| Scoring Offense | 85.47 (10th) | 79.88 (last) |
| Scoring Defense | 97.82 (last) | 83.00 (1st) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 50% (10th) | 47% (last) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 49% (last) | 45% (5th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 30% (4th) | 47% (last) |
| Free Throw % | 66% (last) | 68% (9th) |
| Three Point Rate | 43% (1st) | 42% (5th) |
| Three Point % | 32% (4th) | 29% (last) |
| Turnover Rate | 13% (7th) | 12% (3rd) |
| Assist Rate | 54% (9th) | 57% (6th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 24% (8th) | 27% (6th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 71% (8th) | 71% (10th) |
| Block Rate | 5% (last) | 8% (7th) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (7th) | 10% (2nd) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
