Game Details
Round 6, Tasmania JackJumpers (5-4) v Brisbane Bullets (2-5)
5.30pm AEDT Saturday 5 November @MyState Bank Arena
Watch LIVE on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel
Game context
The JackJumpers have clocked up the frequent flyer miles in the last seven days traveling from Hobart to Auckland to Perth and now head back to Hobart for a matchup against the Brisbane Bullets. Interestingly, the Bullets have not played a single game during that time, enjoying a week break since they defeated the Illawarra Hawks on 27 October. Fatigue could be a factor in this game for Tasmania, especially if its anything like the last time these sides met, with Tasmania recording an 90-86 overtime win in round 3.
Since that game both teams have improved significantly, partly due to with more games on the court together. However, for the bullets their pair of wins this season both came at over bottom placed Illawarra, so this will be a true test of where they are at for NBL23.
For Tasmania, they have now won four of their last five and looking more like the team that pushed thier way to the grand final series last season.
Milton Doyle was the key last time these sides played, his 32 point was a season high for the JackJumpers and stepped up late to seal the win in overtime.
This was also the game where Josh Magette was benched for the majority of the second half. His response since that time has been nothing short of impressive, and no doubt will be keen for a big performance against Brisbane this time.
Brisbane will be looking for more from Aron Baynes, who similar to Magette, saw limited game time in their last matchup in Hobart for four points and six boards. But across his last two games has averaged 13 points and 14 boards, and will be a handful for the JackJumpers big tonight.
Stat facts
Brisbane are the best three point shooting team in the league at 41.4%, well of second place which is the JackJumpers at 36.7%. However JackJumpers slightly edge them in attempts at 32.1 (2nd) to the Bullets 28.3 (7th).
Its game 350 for Bullet Jason Cadee. The sharpshooter has had a impressive career with stops at the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Sydney before moving to Brisbane for the 2018-19 season. He is currently averaging 13.3 points per game, which is the second highest of his career (14 ppg with Sydney 2015/16) and is currently shooting it from 41% from outside this season.
Lineups
For Tasmania, a full squad is available minus Will Magnay and Clint Steindl, who are still sidelines with injury
For the Bullets, news has broken today that they have ended the contract of import Devondrick Walker, who had already been ruled out of the match with a side strain. Meanwhile Gorjok Gak will miss the match. Matthew Johns and Rasmus Bach will step into the lineup.
What has been said
After a tough start the season, with six of nine games on the road, JackJumpers coach Scott Roth discussed his relief to be back home.
“The last five weeks, our travel has been quite unique, and I’m happy that parts over with.”
“This was quite a long road trip for us, and this is the finish of a really really difficult travel for the last five weeks for us, and we’re thankful to move on from here.
Meanwhile Bullets coach James Duncan discussed his team improving the more they play together after their win over the Illawarra Hawks.
“Guys are getting healthy and I think that and the chemistry they are building with one another, when they are going to be on the floor at the right times and communicating with one another that’s huge for us,”
“It’s just taking a little bit longer time than we’d want, but that’s just part of our process,” Duncan added.
Recent meetings
Tasmania JackJumpers 90 defeated Brisbane Bullets 86
MyState Bank Arena, 9 October 2022
Tasmania JackJumpers 84 defeated Brisbane Bullets 82
Nissan Arena, 26 March 2022
Brisbane Bullets 94 defeated Tasmania JackJumpers 86
Nissan Arena, 26 February 2022