36ers looking to build winning streak in NZ

New Zealand Breakers are back on home soil after a whirlwind trip across the globe and will welcome Adelaide 36ers to Spark Arena on Thursday night.

The Breakers have been in the US representing the league in two NBL x NBA games, New Zealand falling to Portland Trail Blazers 106-66, then going down to Utah Jazz 114-94 and came home via Melbourne for last round’s 97-88 loss to United at John Cain Arena.

Finally back on their home court, expect the Breakers to be fired up and itching to get back on the winners’ list, but Adelaide now has some momentum.

During the Breakers’ US campaign the club changed imports, replacing the injured Justinian Jessup with former Golden State Warriors forward Anthony Lamb.

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THE KEY
He might be small in stature but point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright has proven he is the real deal for NBL24.

In only three games, Jackson-Cartwright has averaged 21 points per night, along with 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists as he has led the Breakers’ offense along with key off-season re-signing Will McDowell-White.

The 180cm point guard can penetrate and get on the rim to score or create for his teammates and Adelaide must limit his impact.

Along with Jackson-Cartwright, fellow import Zylan Cheatham has also had an instant impact in the NBL.

The 203cm power forward scored a game-high 32 points against Melbourne United last round and has proven to be a real matchwinner for New Zealand.

Cheatham has been averaging 19.3 points and 4.7 rebounds and his match-up against Jacob Wiley will be massive in the outcome of this game.

THE SECRET
Anthony Lamb is the new addition to head coach Mody Maor’s roster over the past fortnight and comes to the NBL with NBA talent.

Lamb spent the past NBA season at the Golden State Warriors, where he also played for the G-League Santa Cruz Warriors after his Exhibit 10 deal was converted into a full contract.

The 198cm forward made his NBL debut last round in the loss to Melbourne United where he scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds, but expect a better showing on Thursday night.

Another New Zealand forward who can’t fly under the 36ers radar is Finn Delany.

Delany, who was in the conversation to be MVP of the league during his last stint in the NBL, has battled through some pre-season injury issues, but is back fit and firing.

DEPTH CHART
PG: Jackson-Cartwright / McNaught
SG: McDowell-White / Le’Afa / Gliddon
SF: Lamb / Rubstavicius / Abercrombie / Davison
PF: Delany / Darling / Fotu
C: Cheatham / Mathiang / Pineau

THE FINAL WORD
Adelaide has to continue the momentum from Saturday night’s huge win against Perth Wildcats on Brett Maher Court.

The 36ers looked more settled in their roles and will need to be switched on from the jump against a New Zealand side desperate for a win.

New Zealand are 1-2 after only three games in the NBL24 season and are playing catch-up after their trip to the US for two NBLxNBA games.

Adelaide should know from last season that coming back from the US does take a lot out of you and must capitalise on the slightest advantage that might bring.

The Breakers have several weapons the 36ers must limit, but Adelaide also can use their strengths to gain the upper hand.

Isaac Humphries, after his game-high 26 points against the Wildcats, looms large again as a big threat inside and can expose the Breakers in the low block, especially if Cheatham goes to this match-up.

Kyrin Galloway will also again provide a huge punch in the big man rotation and will make the Breakers’ big men accountable at both ends of the floor.

Adelaide’s guard rotation of captain Mitch McCarron, DJ Vasiljevic, Sunday Dech and Jason Cadee must limit Jackson-Cartwright and McDowell-White but can also expose them defensively.

The new confidence instilled in the 36ers roster must continue to blossom and a win on the road is not out of the equation.