After some lacklustre performances on their home court this season, the Tasmania JackJumpers will be looking to use two critical home games this weekend as a launchpad for a strong post-season run.
Tasmania (14-11) host the Sydney Kings (17-7) tonight before backing up against the Perth Wildcats (13-11) on Sunday afternoon.
The JackJumpers have a 6-6 record at home this season, while faring much better on the road at 8-5.
Embed from Getty Images“We have not played well at home just in general all year, ” Coach Scott Roth said following their Round 17 win against Cairns.
“I think that’s one of the things when I look back on the season, the inconsistency of being at home, and not really having the record that you need I think to really make an impact in this league will be something we reflect upon.
“Because we’ve done ok on the road for the most part, but we’ve just not been able to play as well as we’ve needed to play at home,” he said.
Kings up first – GF rematch
Tonight’s match will be the Kings only visit to Hobart this season, and their first visit since winning game two of the NBL Grand Final series at MyState Bank Arena in May 2022.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Kings have been a dominant force this season and could secure first place this weekend with wins in Hobart and then back in Sydney when they face the Phoenix on Sunday afternoon. However, they come into into the game having dropped the last two games, the first time they have lost consecutive games this season.
The teams have split thier season matches 1-1 so far, with both games played in Sydney.
Perth return for potential playoff preview
Then Sunday’s match against Perth has real playoff implications, as both teams are close to securing a playoff spot, but this match could determine final positions for seeding. Tasmania has won both games against the Wildcats this season, but those games were in Rounds 4 and 6 and Perth is playing much better basketball following the acquisition of Tai Webster and a game plan that is all out offence.
Embed from Getty ImagesIf Tasmania can keep winning they can earn a double-chance in the league’s Play-In Tournament if they finish the regular season in third or fourth spot, losses from New Zealand, Cairns or the Wildcats will also assist in JackJumpers finishing higher on the ladder.
JackJumpers guard Josh Magette said the team was looking forward to finishing the season strong on their home floor.
“Really excited to build some momentum heading into these final three games. Not that our fans need any motivation, but I think having a little momentum going into this final weekend, you know will just adds to the excitement around the state and the arena next Friday and Sunday,” he said.
“So it should be a lot of fun, I know the boys are looking forward to it and it should be a blast.”
His thoughts were echoed by team mate Jack McVeigh.
“I mean, this is the time of the year where basketball is at its best,” McVeigh told ESPN.
“We want that top four. I mean, you want two games to try and get to those semi-finals and we’re rolling, playing good basketball right now,” he said.
Tasmania JackJumpers remaining NBL regular season fixtures
Fri 27 January vs Sydney Kings, MyState Bank Arena.
Sun 29 January vs Perth Wildcats, My State Bank Arena
Sat 4 Feb vs Illawarra Hawks, WIN Entertainment Centre
