NBL
1 month ago
Pressure grows in crunch NBL Round 8
By SEN
Every week of the Hungry Jack's NBL25 Season, we'll be previewing the big games, the big names and all the key talking points.
Check out the Round 8 Preview below.
Don't forget, every game of the NBL25 season is live on ESPN.
Brisbane vs Melbourne
When: Thursday, November 7 - 7.30pm AEDT
Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App
Watch for: Melbourne United was handed one of its worst ever losses on Monday night against the Breakers in a game that not many saw coming. The best defensive team in the competition was given a lesson by New Zealand and simply had no answers. History will tell us that after a big loss like this, Dean Vickerman doesn’t usually let it happen twice and expect United to come out with a point to prove.
The Bullets are still looking to put together a complete game and show what they’re capable of when that occurs. Behind some Tyrell Harrison and James Batemon brilliance, Brisbane was able to claw back a deficit against Cairns and sneak out another much-needed win. This will be the last round of eight consecutive single game rounds for Brisbane, before things get a little tougher.
Players to watch: Jack White has been the barometer so far in Melbourne United wins and the numbers reflect that with his rebounding and outside shooting. He’s been one of the best two-way players in the competition through seven rounds and if he struggles, so do Melbourne. Matthew Dellavedova is coming off the back of one his most quiet games in his NBL career, scoring just two points and have two assists, which means he enters this match-up hungry and ready to fire.
Harrison was on pace for 30 rebounds at one point in the first half against Cairns, but instead finished with 20 by the end of the game. Batemon has also found his groove in his new role off the bench for the Bullets, dropping another 20-point game against the Taipans. Batemon seems able to produce more in that position, thanks to Mitch Norton setting the tone in the starting group.
The stat: Melbourne has won 11 straight games against Brisbane.
Missing in action: Sam McDaniel is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Deng Adel is a game-time decision.
Perth vs Tasmania
When: Thursday, November 7 - 9.30pm AEDT
Where: RAC Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App
Watch for: The JackJumpers found themselves dominating headlines this past week for their lack of offensive production. The reigning champions scored 60 points against Sydney, which brings their average on the season down to 76.6 per game, a worrying number for Scott Roth. On a positive note for the JackJumpers is that they have won the last three games against Perth and still hold teams to just 84 points per game, which is second-best in the league.
Perth continues to be without Bryce Cotton, but a silver lining is that their young stars have relished in the added responsibility. Both Ben Henshall and Elijah Pepper have taken on more offensive roles without Cotton and have shown they’re more than capable of holding down the fort.
Players to watch: All eyes will be on Jordon Crawford and Milton Doyle in this game, as they continue to try and find their rhythm in what has been a tough start to the season. The star backcourt for Tasmania hit just one of 24 threes across both losses last weekend and when you combine that with their turnovers, it’s a worrying sign. Doyle has however scored 20+ in his last three games against Perth, which should have him feeling confident.
In the three games without Cotton, Perth have had different players step up as the main scoring threat. It was Keanu Pinder who put on an offensive masterclass when they beat the Sydney Kings. Then it was Ben Henshall who torched the Hawks and finally Elijah Pepper who did all he could against the Phoenix.
The stat: Perth is first in the league for rebounds this season at 44.9 per game.
Missing in action: Cotton (ribs) will not play as he continues to rehab a rib injury, but expects to return before the end of the year. Dylan Windler (shin) is a game-time decision. Sean Macdonald will not play due to an ankle injury. Will Magnay (illness) is a game-time decision.
Sydney Kings vs South East Melbourne
When: Friday, November 8 - 9.30pm AEDT
Where: Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App
Watch for: There’s been a lot to like about the Kings since they shortened their rotation last weekend. Even though they lost the opening game of the round to United, it was a much improved effort and Cam Oliver was a clear standout. Sydney then wasted no time in dismantling the JackJumpers on Sunday, never trailing in the game and running out to a big 28-point win.
South East Melbourne on the other hand, is suddenly one of the hottest teams in the league, winning four of its last five games, since starting the season 0-5. New coach. Josh King is two wins from two after his team fought out a tough battle in Tasmania, before returning home to beat Perth convincingly. They’re being led by Matt Hurt offensively, who has been one of the premier big men in the competition this season.
Players to watch: Within this star-studded Kings lineup, there aren’t many players who can catch fire like Kouat Noi. The reserve forward once again came on and made a huge impact offensively, with 17 first half points including going 5-5 from deep. It would be a nice feeling for Brian Goorjian to know that he has weapons like that at his disposal to take the pressure off his main scorers some games.
As the Phoenix have found their groove, so has Nathan Sobey following his slow start to the season for his new team. While his numbers may still not be up to the level we have usually seen from him, his leadership offensively has been a stand out and it’s no surprise that South East Melbourne are winning games. Angus Glover returns to face his former team for the first time and will be feeling confident after his season best 17 point outing against Perth.
The stat: Sydney rank first in the league for assists per game at 19.9.
Missing in action: Derrick Walton Jr is a game-time decision with a hamstring concern. Jaylin Galloway is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury.
Tasmania vs New Zealand
When: Saturday, November 9 - 5.30pm AEDT
Where: MyState Bank Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN & TVNZ | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App
Watch for: Tasmania travels back from Perth and welcome the red-hot New Zealand Breakers into MyState Bank Arena. Everything that the JackJumpers have struggled with up to this point of the season, the Breakers have thrived in.
Led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright, New Zealand is firing on all cylinders offensively and everyone is playing with confidence. The top-of-the-table Breakers at times have resembled a top Euroleague team with their ball movement and efficiency, which highlights the impact of coach Petteri Koponen.
At home Tasmania is usually a different proposition, as they feed off their home crowd for energy. If they are struggling to score the ball, they make sure their defence is even better on the other end to counter that.
Players to watch: Sam Mennenga has been loving his new role in New Zealand this season and had his career best performance against United on Monday. On the back of his 25 point night, Mennenga flashed his ability to score in a variety of different ways. Another standout for New Zealand has been the 17-year-old Mexican Next Star, Karim Lopez, who has been simply phenomenal over the last few weeks and making a major statement to all the NBA eyes watching.
Tasmania will be looking for a third offensive scoring threat to pop up and that could very well be Majok Deng, who has shown glimpses this season that he’s capable of putting up big numbers each night.
The stat: Tasmania rank last in four of five major offensive statistics this season.
Missing in action: Mitch McCarron is out with a knee injury. Mojave King (calf) and Max Darling (groin) are game-time decisions. Sean Macdonald is out with an ankle injury.
Melbourne vs Perth
When: Saturday, November 9 - 8pm AEDT
Where: John Cain Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App
Watch for: Historically speaking, the matchup between these two teams always produces an instant classic. There’s something special about when Perth takes on Melbourne that makes both teams play at their best, regardless of who is available on the night.
This will be the second game of the round for both teams, but all eyes will be on Perth as they travel to John Cain Arena, after what occurred last round. After an impressive win against the Hawks last Friday, the Wildcats travelled to Melbourne two days later and were torn apart by the Phoenix. Can they fix that issue in the same road trip seven days later?
Players to watch: There’s been a somewhat worrying trend for Melbourne United this season in terms of their inability to defend opposition big men. Because of that, this game should have Keanu Pinder ready to produce his very best.
For United, it’s usually Chris Goulding who enjoys the battle against the Wildcats more than anyone else. Some of his most memorable performances have come against Perth and it will be a big challenge for their young backcourt.
The stat: Melbourne has the best three-point defence in the league, while Perth has the second-worst three point percentage themselves.
Missing in action: Bryce Cotton is out with a rib injury. Dylan Windler (shin) is a game time decision.
South East Melbourne vs Cairns
When: Sunday, November 10 - 2.30pm AEDT
Where: John Cain Arena
Watch: Live & free on ESPN via Kayo | 10 & 10 Play | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App
Watch for: Cairns' struggles can instantly be traced back to when their injuries began. First it was Taran Armstrong, then it was Tanner Groves and now Pedro Bradshaw joined them on the sidelines. Most teams are going to find it hard to compete when three key starters are out injured and to Cairns’ credit, at times they have still gone close to winning games.
With their star Rob Edwards now ruled out of this game through suspension, the task for the Taipans gets even tougher. They’re coming up against a red hot Phoenix team that is still making up for their slow start to the season. Will any of the injured Taipans be available to play this game is going to be the big question.
Players to watch: Absence creates opportunity and that’s exactly what has occurred with Alex Higgins-Titsha in Cairns. The development player got his first career start in their loss to Brisbane last round and delivered big, dropping his first double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Another shining light for the recent form of the Phoenix is the play of Next Star, Malique Lewis, who has cemented himself as the starting small forward. Lewis has expanded on his offensive game in recent weeks, showcasing an ability to finish through contact and above the rim.
The stat: Cairns allows the most rebounds per game at 45.7.
Missing in action: Armstrong (ankle) and Groves (calf) are game-time decisions. Bradshaw (ankle) will miss with an ankle injury. Edwards is out due to suspension.
Adelaide vs Illawarra
When: Sunday, November 10 - 4.30pm AEDT
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: Live & free on ESPN via Kayo | 10 Bold & 10 Play | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App
Watch for: This could very well be the case of saving the best for last in Round 8. Two championship contenders go head-to-head, with both teams coming off unexpected losses in their last outing.
Adelaide will be looking to win their tenth consecutive game at home and now that they’re at full strength once again, how do they manage rotations? When Montrezl Harrell was inserted into the starting lineup alongside Isaac Humphries, Adelaide’s season seemed to turn around. The big man duo quickly became an unstoppable force.
The battle in the front court will be worth the price of admission alone as Darius Days and Sam Froling have already proven to be an elite combination this season. Whoever wins this contest, should go a long way to winning the game.
Players to watch: Outside of the elite big men in this matchup, there is some very strong guard play that could tell a similar story. One of the favourites to win the Best Defensive Player in Wani Swaka-Lo-Buluk will be sent to either DJ Vasiljevic or Kendric Davis in an effort to limit their impact.
Adelaide’s two superstar guards will have their work cut out for them too on the other end as Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell look to takeover offensively. Davis was outstanding when he shut down Rob Edwards two weeks ago, before struggling to contain Parker Jackson-Cartwright last week.
The stat: Adelaide has won nine straight games at home.
Missing in action: Trey Kell is a game time decision due to a back issue.
