Game Details
Round 10, Sydney Kings (10-3) v Tasmania JackJumpers (7-6)
4.00pm AEDT Sunday 11 December @ Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Watch: ESPN via Kayo/Foxtel or on 10Peach
Listen: Cluch Radio
Game context
It’s taken until Round 10 of the NBL season but we are finally here, and we are getting a Grand Final rematch of Tasmania v Sydney.
The Sydney Kings come into the game in strong form, having won six of their last seven. With their only loss across those matches being an overtime loss to Cairns in Round eight. Most recently the Kings had an impressive 88-81 win over the Breakers in New Zealand on Thursday, in what Kings Coach Chase Buford described as an overly physical contest that needed be officiated better.
Its hard to imagine that will change much against Tasmania, who have always brought a physical style of game to court. So it shouldn’t if long to take see l the refs paid any attention to Buford’s post game “physicality” comments to see ny change in officiating.
Embed from Getty ImagesSimilarly Tasmania also come into the game in-form, particularly on the road. The JackJumpers have had back to-to back wins in Melbourne and Brisbane, look to make that three straight in Sydney. In both road wins Milton Doyle has top scored, but more importantly been delivering at the at the offensive end in the closing stages. Whether that be creating his own shot or finding the right pass to find the basket. This is something the team has been searching for since the departure of Josh Adams.
The match will be a contrast of games styles, with the high scoring kings looking to get out and run at every opportunity. Compare this to the JackJumpers who re well drilled in their set plays that will see them make the extra pass or two to find the best available shot.
MVP candidate Xavier Cooks will be the X factor in the game, he lead the kings in points per game (17.1) and rebounds per game (8.6), with most sides struggling to find a matchup for the athletic forward. The JackJumpers know this all too well. They witnessed Cooks at this best in the post season where he won the 21-22 Grand final MVP across their 3-0 series sweep of Tasmania. But Tasmania will feel somewhat better equipped to deal with Cooks, having added defensive specialist Rashard Kelly to the roster this season, and Centre Will Magnay (who missed the GF series) is back on court.
Embed from Getty ImagesStat facts
The Kings fast paced offense has paid dividends this season, leading the NBL in points per game with 90.1. They also spread the scoring acrros the team, withfour players averaging double figures and Centre Tim Soars close behind on 9.8ppg.
The JackJumpers have been a great road team since their debuting in 2021-22, with an overall road record of 14-8 across both regular seasons. They have won on the road against every team except the Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers.
Lineups
For the JackJumpers they are still without Tasmania will be without guards Sam McDaniel and Matt Kenyon, who are both overcoming calf injuries. So once again expect more minutes from Sean McDonald to fill this gap.
For the Kings, Angus Glover remains out. He will be replaced in the line-up by Jackson Makoi.
What has been said
Ahead of the clash, ABC Grandstand Tasmania’s Chris Rowbottom spoke with Scott Roth JackJumpers about facing the Kings lineup.
“They know how to win, they put themselves in a position to win and they play with a lot of pace. Anytime you have in this league a local player, Cooks, playing at MVP level its a bonus to your roster,” he said.
“They have three imports and the guy who’s the MVP of thus far in the league. which is a huge credit to him and their organisation but he’s playing at that kind of level and its more firepower for them and their difficult to handle”. Scott Roth said.
Meanwhile Sydney Kings Coach was speaking with Fox Sports News about his Round 10 schedule, and playing Tasmania after visiting the Breakers.
“That’s the most exciting thing, I mean Tassie not only coming in to the league and playing as well as they did but Scott [Roth} just being a good a coach that he is. Josh Magette those guys have stayed and its really cool to see their culture continue on and i’m excited as heck to go play them again,” Chase Buford said.
NBL 22-23 Matchups
This is the first matchup of 22-23. But overall the Kings hold a 5-1 record over the Jackjumpers, including the 3-0 grand final series.