Game Preview: Nelson Giants v Southland Sharks

The Nelson Giants (8-11, 9th) host the Southland Sharks (11-8, 4th) in a crucial matchup. The Giants need a win to maintain their slim playoff chances, while the Sharks, already guaranteed a home eliminator game, aim to improve their seeding and potentially claim the third spot.

The game tips off on Thursday 7th July at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson, with the Rapid League at 6pm and the Sal's NBL game at 7pm. It will be broadcast live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2, in the USA on ESPN3, and internationally on FIBA YouTube.

In their last outing, the Giants defeated the Tuatara 104-85. Capitalizing on Rob Loe's early exit, Jeremy Combs (29 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) and Callum McRae (11 points, 12 rebounds) dominated inside. Despite strong performances from Luther Muhammad (19 points, 9 assists) and Tom Vodanovich (23 points, 9 rebounds) for the Tuatara, the Giants controlled the game for their fourth consecutive win.

The Sharks secured a vital 98-88 victory over the Whai. Sam Timmins (19 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists) orchestrated the offence and Keylan Boone (29 points, 6 rebounds) helped build an early lead. Although Mojave King (43 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists) led a Whai comeback for a halftime lead, the Sharks surged with an 11-2 run to start the third quarter, scoring 33 points in the period to regain control and hold off the Whai.

Statistically, the teams are very similar in scoring, points allowed, and rebounding rates. Key differences are the Sharks leading the league in three-point shooting efficiency, while the Giants boast a superior turnover rate. Both rely on strong front lines.

The desperate Giants require a win to stay alive. Their inside power comes from Jeremy Combs and Callum McRae. Wing scoring is provided by Andrew Jones and Liam Judd (effective off cuts and catch-and-shoot). Point guard Alex Robinson drives the offence with penetration. Although they attempt the fewest threes, staying competitive in made threes is crucial, and they have capable shooters. Alex McNaught and Sam Dempster are key bench contributors.

The Sharks also build around a formidable front line: Sam Timmins and Josiah Allick control the glass and score inside, while Keylan Boone is a versatile scoring threat from the perimeter and at the rim. Caleb Asberry has developed into a premier playmaker, excelling at driving. Injuries to Johnny Helu and Alonzo Burton (affecting spacing) impact backcourt depth, with Brayden Inger being the main bench contributor capable of heating up from deep.

A critical matchup is at point guard: Alex Robinson versus Caleb Asberry. Both are dynamic players crucial to their team's offensive efficiency, capable of setting up teammates or scoring themselves. Their ability to disrupt passing lanes and generate steals could be decisive.