Indian Panthers (0-4, 12th) v Night ‘n Day Otago Nuggets (2-2, 8th)
The Panthers continue their home stand hoping that with another player added to the mix they will be able to taste victory for the first time in franchise history. The Nuggets come to town on a two game winning streak but are juggling the lineup once again, will they be able to get back up to speed with quickness or will the Panthers pull off the upset?
When: Friday 4th April, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal’s NBL 7:30pm
Where: Bruce Pulman Arena, Takanini
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 4 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube | Friday Night Lights on TikTok: @skysportnz for livestream
Purchase Tickets Onsite
Last Time Out:
The Panthers hosted Tauranga and took part in a back and forth affair for the first quarter and half as Alex Robinson (18pts, 4rbs, 2ast) and Jaylen Gerrand (16pts, 2rbs, 2ast) kept the offensive pressure up. But as the game progressed so did the pressure and 24 turnovers combined with 22% shooting from deep to open the door for the Whai offense to hit its highest points total of the year and pull off the 102-73 victory.
The Nuggets jumped on the Jets early, riding the play of Todd Withers (27pts, 17rbs) and Jono Janssen (15pts, 3rbs) early as they powered their way to an 18 point lead in the first quarter. But the Jets would find their form and methodically work their way back to a single point deficit at halftime before grabbing control of the game in the third quarter as Miles Gibson (30pts, 7rbs) and Kenny Goins (24pts, 13rbs) led the way as they grabbed a 14 point fourth quarter lead. But Patrick Freeman cameo would put the finishing touches on a furious comeback that would see Otago take a 108-104 victory.
What to Look for
Panthers – Alex Robinson and Jaylen Gerrand power the offense but the rebounding of Aaron Blessin is starting to have an impact while Tushal Singh has the skill set to be dangerous on the wing. They may finally have their big man in Shengzhe Li, whose size and power will give the Indians the low post presence they have been waiting on. The offense has found form when able to get stops to allow transition opportunities, but stops have been in short supply for the team with the worst defensive rating in the league (129). In the halfcourt teams have been able to stray from weakside shooters as the team has struggled to find range from deep (26% 3pfg, last in league) keeping Robinsons abilities as a penetrating creator from impacting the game for long stretches at a time. A bit more time together should see improvements in conditioning and in running sets
Otago – Two wins on the trot has the Nuggets in better stead but with Todd Withers departing for the season they suddenly have more questions than answers. Jose Perez (21.3ppg, 8.3rb, 5ast, 11 free throw attempts) continues to be a low post hub for the offense, backing down opponents while determining if he’ll hit the cutter or use a bevy of head fakes to score a bucket or get fouled trying. Don Carey Jr(26.3ppg, 6.3ast, 5 rb, 8.3 fta) is the main creator on the perimeter and has been streaky from deep from deep (games 1 and 3 6-23 3pfg, 5-7 in his other appearance) and accurate from the stripe (88% ft’s) but if a third import isn’t available the question of who else will contribute lingers. Jono Janssen’s entry to the lineup has lifted the interior quotient and the return while Darcy Knox, Josh Aitcheson, Matthew Bardsley and Christian Martin have all contributed at different times throughout the season. They take care of the ball and hit free throws at a rate that should control the game if they can control the boards.
Small Sample Size Stats:
It’s not the prettiest sight for the Panthers 10th in scoring (80.3ppg), last in points allowed (110.8ppg), last in shooting (38.7%) and three point shooting (25.8%) and assists (13.5 apg) and second in turnovers (16pg).
The Nuggets boast the second lowest turnover rate (11%) and third highest assist percentage (63%) and have the highest free throw rate (36%) in the league, They are middle of the pack in rebounding (3% defensive rebound rate, 6th, and 27% offensive rebound rate, 7th) but it will be about the “D” as their 121 defensive rating is 3rd worst in the league.
Matchup to Watch: Alex Robinson v Don Carey Jr – These two will be key to their teams victory chances, if the penetration skills of Robinson go unchecked the Nuggets defense will struggle with rotations, opening up chances for him to finish or find shooters on the arc. If Carey is shooting the ball well early this one could be out of reach by halftime, but if he’s contained from deep the Panthers will likely be in striking distance.
