Basketball On The Internet.

SUPER tough call on what should rate as this round’s NBL Game of the Week, Tasmania hosting Melbourne in a top-of-the-table clash, surging South East Melbourne at home to New Zealand, or those bitey Taipans of Cairns entertaining Sydney.

One thing is for sure. For those watching at home, having commentators IN the venues is how it was, how it currently is (mostly) and how it always should be.

Their ability to give genuine insight into what’s happening harshly reflects on the studio gibberish to which we have been subjected for far too long, COVID no longer a huge consideration.

I mean, as fascinating as it is listening to Leigh Montagna trying to remember the names of players who have played both NBL and AFL – Michael Parsons at Launceston Casino City and Sydney Swans was completely lost on him anyway – I’d rather know what the in-house callers can see, feel AND hear.

To this round then and Adelaide has key contributor Trey Kell (contusion) as a game-time decision and Jaylin Galloway (shoulder) unlikely to suit for Sydney in Cairns. But then DJ Hogg is due for an appearance. How ironic if it happens to be where he made his name!

Tasmania, disciplined and patient, against a Melbourne it has no fear of, looms as a monster fixture. United is playing very consistent and attractive basketball, focusing on defence – as do the JackJumpers.

Maybe this time the twin towers of Ariel Hukporti and Jo Lual-Acuil can flourish over the Antmen around them. Whatever, this has all the potential of a terrific contest.

New Zealand need to string some wins together now and after taking out Adelaide, will find the challenge greater against a South East Melbourne which found its form against the beatables last round.

What can we expect of Cairns this season? Top 6 looks very possible, given the inconsistency woes of Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Illawarra.

But will the Taipans again be in the race? Hosting the champion Kings should be a great barometer.
 

ROUND 5 TIPS
Finally back home, New Zealand flexes its muscles and Adelaide falters.
Cairns loves life on the road and wins at WIN over the hapless home Hawks.
Tasmania maintains its march in the quest for the pinnacle against United.
Perth stumbles, fumbles and bumbles its way to a rare W over battling Brizzy.
Maybe the game of the round, SEM drops at home to the Breakers in a ripper.
Cairns cannot complete the NSW double at home, dropping to Sydney.
Melbourne has a Sunday roast of plucked Hawks, vegies and gravy.
Brisbane finds the answer for three quarters before the Ants march on.

NBL RANKINGS – WEEK 5
This          Last
Week       Week   Club
  1               1        Melbourne (6-1) Beating JJs in Hobart would be a feat in table-top clash.
  2               3        Tasmania (4-2) United bigs will cause problems but a 2-0 round is doable.
  3               2        Sydney (4-2) Still finding their way but can squeeze the Orange this week.
  4               5        New Zealand (1-2) Rare to rise on ratings with a loss but look promising.
  5               6        South East (4-3) Stringing a mini-streak together and can get the Breakers.
  6               4        Cairns (2-1) Time to get started again facing NSW pair, 1-1 looking likely.
  7               8        Adelaide (2-5) Better but will find the going very tough across the Ditch.
  8               7        Perth (2-4) If they can’t get Brisbane’s scalp at home, cancel finals plans.
  9             10        Illawarra (1-4) Staring down another 0-2 round against Taipans, United.
10               9        Brisbane (2-4) Wildcats are vulnerable but JackJumpers less so. 0-2?