The NBL recently released the scheduling details of the final six rounds of the NBL 21-22 season. The JackJumpers are currently sitting in sixth place on the NBL ladder with a 10-9 record. Although Scott Roth and the JackJumpers are not talking playoffs out loud, we thought we’d review their last nine games and see what they need to do to make a late playoff run.
The JackJumpers final nine match summary
- Tasmania play every team once, no double ups
- Four matches at home (one in Launceston, three in Hobart)
- Five away matches (including an “away” match against the Breakers in Hobart)
- Three rounds have one game, three rounds with two games.
Overall its a pretty good schedule, which hopefully can kick off with back-to-back wins against the Illawarra Hawks in Launceston this Saturday.
But from there things get pretty tough with the following three games being played on the road. It begins in round 17 with a horror double with a game in Perth Friday night, then backed it up 36 hours later with a matchup against the Bullets on Sunday afternoon in Brisbane. The JackJumpers have lost both away matches in these Perth and Brisbane so far this season.
The road games continue in round 18 when they take on the 36ers in Adelaide on Friday night before hosting the Kings in Hobart two days later, who are currently on a seven game winning streak.
With the JackJumpers currently two wins outside of the top 4, a number of losses in these first five games could see them fall out of playoff contention fast. Winning both matches at home, and finding a way to at grab least one away win could keep them in the hunt.
If they get through that tough period of away games without too many losses, they have the luxury of playing four of their last five games in Hobart. A late streak of home wins could be just enough to see them over the line.
But ultimately, beating the teams ahead of them for that #4 spot is key. So the wins against Illawarra and South East Melbourne will be worth more, as it adds another loss to their records.
Outside of scheduling, the biggest factor to winning will be the return of Will Magnay. The JackJumpers have managed well without him so far going 4-3 record in his 5 weeks out of action. But his presence in the middle has been missed. Their three losses during Magnay’s absence have been against the Bullets, Phoenix and Wildcats, who all looked to use their size advantage to attack inside the paint.
Having beaten the Hawks twice already without him, the JackJumpers would unlikely rush Magnay back for their final season matchup with Illawarra this Saturday. However, with a huge road trip looming the following week to Perth/Brisbane, he would be a key addition for a late finals push.
But missing out on the playoffs will be no concern to the JackJumpers or their supporters. They have already proven they belong in the NBL with their defensive-minded style that is both exciting and refreshing. Scott Roth has also proven he is an amazing coach who can get the absolute best out of a roster, which was given little chance of doing anything in their debut season.
JackJumpers remaining schedule
Round 16
Tasmania vs Illawarra 19 March @ Silverdome, Launceston
Round 17
Perth vs Tasmania 24 March @ Perth Arena
Brisbane vs Tasmania 26 March @ Nissan Arena, Brisbane
Round 18
Adelaide v Tasmania 1 April @ Adelaide Entertainments Centre
Tasmania v Sydney 3 April @ MyState Bank Arena
Round 19
Tasmania vs Cairns 18 April @ MyState Bank Arena
Round 20
NZ Breakers vs Tasmania 15 April @ My State Bank Arena
SE Melbourne vs Tasmania 17 April @ John Cain Arena
Round 21
Tasmania vs Melbourne United 23 April @ MyState Bank Arena
