RD 2 GAME PREVIEW v SYDNEY KINGS

GAME PREVIEW –

Round 2  – Tasmania JackJumpers v Sydney Kings  

Friday 6^th October 7.30pm

Doors open 6.30pm

MyState Bank Arena, Hobart

Watch LIVE on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

State of Play

The JackJumpers return to their home floor for the first time NBL24 and will be eager to get the first W of the season in front of a sold out home crowd at MyState Bank Arena. Brewing as one of the NBL’s most prominent rivalries,  the JackJumpers v Kings clash will have a different look on both sides this season,. But despite two of the biggest figures from past battles between these teams – Chase Buford and DJ Vasiljevic – aren’t involved this time, clashes between Tasmania and Sydney never fail to produce fireworks.

Last time they met  

NBL23 ROUND 17, January 27 2023 – MyState Bank Arena

The sides last met in late January 2023, in front of a very vocal home crowd in Hobart expressing their year -long grudge against former Kings coach Chase Buford in no uncertain terms. The JackJumpers shot out to a hot start, leading by 25-14 at quarter time – a habit the JackJumpers have developed against Sydney with Tasmania ahead at the first break in each of the last 5 games against the Kings.

But the Kings found their rhythm in the second quarter hitting 37 points to lead by 12 at the half and swing the momentum in their favour.

NBL22 Grand Final Heart breaker DJ Vasiljevic broke the game open with 24 points, assisted by Derrick Walton Junior with 16 points and 4 assists.

The JackJumpers won the final quarter but it was not enough with the home crowd silenced by the Kings running out 14 point victors.

SRT Logistics Coaches’ take

Mark Radford said “Sydney are a really fast tea – they want to play quick and control the temp. We need to counter that, JC (Jordon Crawford is important in that) but we also need to start it on our terms. D-trans (Defensive transition) needs to be really on point and capitalise on those opportunities. It’ll be another great test for us, clean up some things from last week and see how we go”.

Fun Facts

• Each of Sydney's last five games has gone UNDER the total match points line.
• Tasmania has won the first quarter in each of its last five games against Sydney.
• Sydney has won six of its last seven games against Tasmania.
• Sydney has covered the line in each of its last three games against Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena.

Ins & outs 

Tasmania JackJumpers: Will Magnay won’t suit up for the JackJumpers as he continues to recover from a foot injury sustained in the off season.

Sydney Kings:  DJ Hogg will miss with a shoulder injury, while Sam Timmins is also under a cloud after missing Round 1 with a calf injury.

Opponents on the Radar 

NBL22 League MVP Jaylen Adams is back with the Kings after a season across Serbia and China. During his one season with the Kings, he averaged 20.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from beyond the three-point line. He picked up where he left off with 20 points in the Kings Round 1 win over the Hawks.