Indian Panthers (0-7, 12th) v Big Barrel Hawks (4-3, 6th)
The Panthers are still searching for their first win but can look back to their first match up for inspiration, when they were leading the Hawks at quarter time of opening night, but since receiving an influx of Australian this isn't the same Hawks team that they remember.
When: Wednesday 15th April, Rapid League 6pm, Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: Franklin Pool and Leisure Center, Pukekohe
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
The Panthers travelled north across the bridge and were hopeful of finding ways to slow down a Tuatara squad in fine form. Turns out that slowing down was not on the hosts agenda as all 5 Tuatara starters would hit double figures, led by Davo Hickey's (20pts, 8rbs, 7ast) near triple double in 20 minutes, the home team would cruise to a 114-71 win that wasn't as close as the score. The Panthers led by Cooper Lepou (21pts) scoring outburst, the lone Panther to hit double figures on what would be a night for the Panthers to forget.
The Hawks also took a trip across the Auckland bridge to take on the Tuatara and jumped onto the hosts behind an outstanding Dan Grida (33pts, 7rbs, 24 pts at half) performance were keeping pace in the first half. But foul Trouble would limit key big man Darnell Cowart (8pts, 5rbs, 0ast, 14 min), making keeping pace with a tough task for the visitors. Davo Hickey (31pts, 11rbs, 10ast) would take his 3rd triple double in 4 games to lead all Auckland to 106-97 victory that wasn't as close down the stretch as the score would indicate.
What to Look For:
The Panthers are awaiting clearance of three Indian National players (Pratyanshu Tomar, Princepal Singh and Gurbaz Sandhu) so the lineup is unlikely to get the talent influx that they are hoping for. Shenghze Li will be back manning the middle and will look to avoid the foul trouble that shortened his debut. Jaylen Gerrand (19.3ppg) is the top perimeter threat, but he needs some support especially behind the arc where no other teammate has hit more than 9 this season. Aaron Blesen (8.5ppg, 5rpg) can create some buckets off the O-boards, especially when Leon Henry (8.9rpg) takes on the boxouts, while Tushal Singh (10.3ppg) will look to utilise his combo of shooting and defense slicing drives, but the real key to competitiveness will be transition defense.
Last time the Hawks faced the Panthers Jackson Ball (24.4ppg, 3.6apg) enjoyed an epic 40 point romp on opening night but he has more weapons at his disposal, making Hawke's Bay eve n more dangerous than previous iterations. Dan Grida (31.5ppg, 7rb) is electric in transition while his penetration abilities bend defenses to his position. Darnell Cowart (18.3ppg, 9.6rpg, 4.7apg) can act as a secondary hub in the high or low post but also has the ability to pull opposing bigs from the paint while center Luca Yates (6ppg, 11rpg) brings the size. With a bench mob lead by Campbell Scott (13.1ppg, 5apg) the depth to contribute is also there, making this matchup tip definitively in favour of the Hawks.
Matchup to Watch: Jaylen Gerrand v Jackson Ball - Gerrand continues to be the engine of the Panthers offense while offering tough on ball defense but when it comes down to it, if he's not having a big game it will be a long night for the hosts. Ball was spectacular in his opening two games and efficiently productive in the 5 games since, with a bit of space he may hit those 30 points highs of the early season once again.
Stats That Might Matter:
| Stat | Panthers | Hawks |
| Scoring Offense | 78.29ppg (last) | 94.14 ppg (4th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 45% (last) | 57% (1st) |
| Free Throw Rate | 26% (7th) | 27% (6th) |
| Free Throw % | 597% (12th) | 72% (4th) |
| Three Point Rate | 39% (7th) | 39% (8th) |
| Three Point % | 28% (last) | 31% (10th) |
| Turnover Rate | 15% (10th) | 15% (9th) |
| Assist Rate | 43% (last) | 54% (8th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 22% (11th) | 21% (last) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 66% (last) | 70% (11th) |
| Block Rate | 7% (8th) | 7% (7th) |
| Steal Rate | 9% (9th) | 8% (last) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
