We're closing in on the Final 4 and R12 could be the point where the door is finally closed. Let's take a look at all the games coming up.
Got your Final 4 tickets yet? Book now HERE.
Giants vs Rams - Thursday @ Trafalgar Centre - 7:35pm
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports and Prime TV from 7:30pm
Game Preview
A big game for the Rams given they are coming off a loss for the first time in a long time. With a spot at the Final 4 secured the Rams will now look at the next three weeks as preparation and that might mean a few players are rested here and there to ensure a fully fit and firing unit come July 20/21. Last week both Isaiah Wilkins and Luke Aston were sidelined with minor niggles. The Giants have had an up and down season splattered with too many inconsistent performances, which has ultimately cost them a chance at being at the Final 4, however over the closing weeks of the season they have an opportunity to upset teams like the Rams. On paper the home team has every chance to compete with the Rams, but whether or not they can win will come down to if they can find good shots against Canterbury's strangling defence. Grida, Jett, Vukona and Vague will all need to be on song here if the Giants are to grab the win.
GIANTS
Starting 5
2. Jordair Jett (guard)
11. Dan Grida (guard)
24. Tyrell Harrison (centre)
25. Rhys Vague (forward)
10. Sam Dempster (forward)
Bench
6. Ali Granger (guard)
7. Riley Bensemann (guard)
9. Tom Ingham (guard)
14. Mika Vukona (forward)
26. Bronson Beri (forward)
42. Nic Trathen (forward)
43. Tysxun Aiolupotea (guard)
Coach: Mike Fitchett
Assistant Coach: Phill Jones
Manager: Andrew Stevens
Physio: Ashlee Lusty
From The Coach - Mike Fitchett
We are looking to string together 3 wins for the first time this season, and it will be a huge challenge against a very strong Rams side. The Rams have been very good defensively this season, and our ability to maintain a high pace will be key.
RAMS
Starting 5
4. Emmett Naar (guard)
3. Cam Gliddon (guard)
25. Tony Tolovae (guard)
17. Isaiah Wilkins (forward)
44. Mike Karena (centre)
Bench
5. Taylor Britt (guard)
10. Sam Smith (guard)
1. Luke Aston (guard)
9. Jonathan Janssen (forward)
24. Alex Talma (forward)
30. Toby Gillooly (guard)
45. Brent Fisher (forward)
Coach: Mick Downer
Assistant Coach: Terry Brunel
Assistant Coach: Piet Van Hasselt
Manager: Raewyn Britt
Physio: Lidia Belles
From The Coach - Mick Downer
We eagerly look forward to the contest up north against the Giants who with the recent addition of Mika Vukona have been playing good basketball with back to back wins over the Rangers and Jets in the past fortnight. We were unhappy with our defensive effort in the first half of our game in Wellington this past weekend and after reviewing the game have had a focus of revisiting some of the basics. It was a strong performance against the league leaders and we will need to carry this type game over to the battle tonight against the Giants on their home court. Our first encounter earlier in the year was a real arm wrestle and we expect no different in this game. Playing these games are great preparation for the post season and we will be looking for a much more consistent effort in both directions over four quarters.
Jets vs Sharks - Thursday @ Central Energy Trust Arena - 7pm
Game Preview
The Sharks need just one more win to lock-up their place at the Final 4 and they will be eyeing this contest against a Jets team without Kuran Iverson (injured, returned to USA) as the perfect opportunity to close the door on the Southern Huskies. After a thumping win over the Airs in R11 the Sharks are choc-full of confidence and seemingly hitting form at the right end of the season. The Jets suffered two losses last round, the first a very un-Jets like performance against the Rangers, the second was yet another gritty close loss to the Giants. One thing in the home team's favour is the current form of both Wally Ellenson and Daishon Knight - if the import pair can stay on a roll the Jets will push the Sharks for a long way. Let's not forget earlier this season the Sharks suffered a surprise loss to the Jets. Will history repeat or can the Sharks sew up their tickets to the Final 4?
JETS
Starting 5
10. Jackson Stubbins (guard)
40. Daishon Knight (guard)
3. Wally Ellenson (guard/forward)
5. Taane Samuel (forward)
50. Shane Temara (forward/centre)
Bench
15. Troy Temara (forward/centre)
Tia Temata-Frost
4. Haize Walker (guard)
Jake McKinlay
Coach: Tim McTamney
Assistant: Terry Tanoa
Assistant: Josh Reeves
Manager: Jason Pearn
From The Coach - Tim McTamney
Another heartbreaking loss last Sunday, this time to the Nelson Giants, shows once again that this young team have incredible spirit and toughness to be able to compete at this level. We are obviously devastated to lose one of our emotional leaders, Kuran Iverson, who has returned to the United States to undergo injury rehabilitation. The team and all Jets supporters wish the crazy guy a speedy recovery and know he will be back stronger and better than ever. With less than 5 games remaining, NBL rules are clear that he cannot be replaced so we will offer more of our young players the opportunity to step up in KI's absence for the remainder of the season. We look forward to this Thursday's challenge as we face defending champions, the Southland Sharks. It should be an interesting final home game for our team as the Sharks have been a bogey team for us over the last two years, with us only winning only the last two of our last four head to head matchups.
SHARKS
Starting 5
35. Alex Pledger (centre)
3. Brandon Lucas (guard)
22. Hyrum Harris (guard/forward)
2. Todd Blanchfield (guard)
15. Tom Vodanovich (forward)
Bench
11. Dom Kelman-Poto (forward)
14. Tai Wynyard (centre)
25. Andrew Wheeler (guard)
45. Tinashe Matambanadzo (guard)
4. Roberto Nelson (guard) *questionable
Coach: Judd Flavell
Manager: Troy Paulin
From the Coach - Judd Flavell
Having been beaten by the Jets once already this season, we are well aware of this team’s capabilities. This looms as an important game for us as we try to cement our playoff spot. Our defence has been much better over the past few weeks and it need to be effective again to get past the Jets. We’ve put up some big scores recently but our offence will need to keep firing.
Huskies vs Airs - Saturday @ The Silverdome - 7pm (9pm NZ)
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports (pop-up), Stuff.co.nz, TribeSports App, www.pickandroll.com.au (Australia only)
Game Preview
It's been a long season for the Airs and after two big losses in R11 the Taranaki outfit now has to pack up and head down under for a clash with the Huskies. While the Tasmanians remain an outside chance of making the Final 4, that opportunity is now basically out of their hands given the Sharks just need one more win from their remaining four games to lock shut the door to the top four. The Huskies were dealt a blow last week with star guard Tre Nichols heading home with a broken foot, but on the upside captain Craig Moller should be back. Expect the Airs to take it right up to the Huskies and a close finish is on the cards.
HUSKIES
AIRS
Starting 5
14. Alonzo Burton (guard)
8. Derone Raukawa (guard)
5. Xavier Shaw (forward)
22. Aaron Bailey-Nowell (forward)
20. Thane O’Leary (forward)
Bench
7. Houston O’Riley (guard)
26. Morgan Trott (forward)
2. Oscar Robertson (guard)
1. Mitch Dance (forward)
Coach: David Bublitz
Assistant Coach: Andrew Green
Manager: Bevan Seddon
From The Coach - David Bublitz
We are looking forward to our first trip to Tasmania to take on The Huskies, and then getting home and finishing the season on a positive note.
Hawks vs Sharks - Saturday @ Pettigrew Arena - 7pm
Game Preview
A big clash between the Hawks (3rd) and Sharks (4th) might be more about grabbing a win to avoid playing the Saints in the Semi Finals - the Hawks hold the upper hand right now and can essentially assign that tough task to the Sharks if they win here. Last week proved to be a difficult one for the Hawks where, in front of their biggest crowd this season, they succumbed to the barnstorming Saints with Daniel Kickert watching on and Brandon Bowman clearly struggling with illness. While Kickert won't be back for this one, Bowman should be feeling better. The Sharks will be missing Jarrad Weeks (compassionate leave), but will get Roberto Nelson back from injury. One player the Hawks will need to keep an eye on is Todd Blanchfield, the star Sharks shooter has been in red-hot form over the last month and there is no signs of him slowing down. A good contest on the cards, the Sharks on the up and the Hawks coming off a loss for the first time in nine games. Enjoy the show!
HAWKS
Starting 5
6. Jarrod Kenny (guard)
13. Dion Prewster (guard)
12. Ethan Rusbatch (forward)
25. EJ Singler (forward)
15. Brandon Bowman (forward)
Bench
3. Nick Fee (guard)
5. Everard Bartlett (guard)
27. Jamal Mikaio (forward)
18. Clifton Bush III (forward) *questionable
7. Darryl Jones (forward)
9. James Levings (guard)
21. Geoff Heather (forward) *questionable
Coach: Zico Coronel
Assistant Coach: Morgan Maskell
Assistant Coach: Rob Hartley
Manager: Jordan Wise
Physio: Colin Tutchen
From The Coach - Zico Coronel
We have got to keep our heads held high as the season is always going to be an uphill battle. Each opponent is going to be another mountain, sometimes you’re going to lose. It ain’t about the trophy at the end of the season, but through collective struggle and risk taking, who we become as individuals and as a basketball team.
SHARKS
Starting 5
35. Alex Pledger (centre)
3. Brandon Lucas (guard)
22. Hyrum Harris (guard/forward)
2. Todd Blanchfield (guard)
15. Tom Vodanovich (forward)
Bench
11. Dom Kelman-Poto (forward)
14. Tai Wynyard (centre)
25. Andrew Wheeler (guard)
45. Tinashe Matambanadzo (guard)
4. Roberto Nelson (guard) *questionable
Coach: Judd Flavell
Manager: Troy Paulin
From The Coach - Judd Flavel
The Hawks are a big challenge for us – they have played great basketball all season .They have talent across the floor and the matchups this game will provide will be great to watch. A real team effort will be required but we are looking forward to the challenge that this game will bring.
Saints vs Jets - Sunday @ TSB Bank Arena - 3pm
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports (pop-up), Stuff.co.nz, TribeSports App, www.pickandroll.com.au (Australia only)
Game Preview
Sunday's fixture against the Jets will be the last home game for the Saints this season and they'll want to give their fans something to cheer about. Last week the Wellingtonians secured back-to-back wins over the second and third placed teams on the ladder, showing once again why they're odds on favourites to claim their eleventh NBL title. Their game isn't dominated by a sole player or a sole system and that's a credit to the selfless culture Head Coach Paul Henare has developed as the seasons gone on. The Jets want to avoid the wooden spoon for a second-successive season and a win against the competition's front-runners will go a long way to helping them achieve that. A horror showing against the Rangers could have been overshadowed with a win over the Giants, but poor shooting in the second half of that game put those hopes to bed. When the Saints are hitting their straps on the defensive end, which they have been lately, not even the best offensive teams have found efficient ways to score. The Jets have nothing to lose, but everything to gain from this contest. Energy will be high in the opening stages and we'll just have to wait and see how long they can keep it rolling.
SAINTS
Starting 5
55. Shea Ili (guard)
11. Jordan Ngatai (forward)
7. Reuben Te Rangi (guard)
4. Nick Kay (forward)
14. Rob Loe (centre)
Bench
15. Leon Henry (forward) *questionable
3. Sunday Dech *guard)
13. Anzac Rissetto (centre)
9. Theo Johnson (forward)
10. Thomas Abercrombie (forward)
8. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (guard)
21. James Cawthorn (guard)
Coach: Paul Henare
Assistant Coach: Kenny McFadden
Assistant Coach: Troy McLean
Manager: Phil Hartley
Physio: Jamie Beleski
From The Coach - Paul Henare
This Sunday we face a Jets side that is playing for pride and with a freedom that makes their scorers extremely dangerous. Our results last weekend spoke volumes about our toughness and resilience. We have to continue to build on that as we sharpen our focus over the last few rounds.
JETS
Starting 5
10. Jackson Stubbins (guard)
40. Daishon Knight (guard)
3. Wally Ellenson (guard/forward)
5. Taane Samuel (forward)
50. Shane Temara (forward/centre)
Bench
15. Troy Temara (forward/centre)
Tia Temata-Frost
4. Haize Walker (guard)
Jake McKinlay
Coach: Tim McTamney
Assistant: Terry Tanoa
Assistant: Josh Reeves
Manager: Jason Pearn
From The Coach - Tim McTamney
Rams vs Rangers - Sunday @ Cowles Stadium - 5pm
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports (pop-up), Stuff.co.nz, TribeSports App, www.pickandroll.com.au (Australia only)
Game Preview
The Rams return home for their second game of the weekend, which also double as their second consecutive double-header. If the Rangers are at full strength, and that's a big if, they might be fortunate enough to catch the Rams feeling a little worn as they enter their fourth game in a little over a week. On paper you can't look past the home team, they are finals bound and continue to be a genuine threat to the mighty Saints (as last week showed), however they do need to be mindful that Quarterman, Egwu and Jois are more than capable of providing a few headaches. Expect the Rams to start strong at the offensive end and put the clamps on the Rangers at the defensive end. By the final buzzer this should be another win for the home team.
RAMS
Starting 5
4. Emmett Naar (guard)
3. Cam Gliddon (guard)
25. Tony Tolovae (guard)
17. Isaiah Wilkins (forward)
44. Mike Karena (centre)
Bench
5. Taylor Britt (guard)
10. Sam Smith (guard)
1. Luke Aston (guard)
9. Jonathan Janssen (forward)
24. Alex Talma (forward)
30. Toby Gillooly (guard)
45. Brent Fisher (forward)
Coach: Mick Downer
Assistant Coach: Terry Brunel
Assistant Coach: Piet Van Hasselt
Manager: Raewyn Britt
Physio: Lidia Belles
From The Coach - Mick Downer
Our return back to Cowles stadium against the Rangers will see our fourth game in ten days and the busy part of our regular season come to a close. It has been unfortunate that we have had a few minor injuries to manage with some of our key players but it has been fantastic to see the growth and development of some of our younger guys as they have seen increases in their opportunities recently. At the time of writing we are unsure of the final group we will suit up tonight but irrespective of who dons the Rams jerseys be assured that we will be aiming to play aggressively in both directions against a dangerous opponent in the Rangers.
RANGERS
Starting 5
55. Venky Jois (forward)
1. Tim Quarterman (guard)
32. Nnanna Egwu (forward)
13. Mikaere Watene (guard)
9. Lesae Coe (guard)
Bench
56. Reuben Fitzgerald (guard)
20. Scott Telfer (forward)
6. Jaylen Gerrand (guard)
19. Denhym Brooke (forward)
2. Randall Bishop
5. Hyrum Hippolite (guard)
Coach: Jeff Green
Assistant Coach: Greg Elliott
From The Coach - Greg Elliott (Assistant Coach)
The Rams are one of the hottest teams in the league, which is why they are currently holding down the second place spot on the competition ladder. They are deep at every position, and will be looking to put on a show in front of their home court fans. Even though we are out of playoff contention, we can still play the role of “spoiler”, and wouldn’t be boarding the flight if we believed winning wasn’t a possibility.
