Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers NBL Round 7 Game Preview

Nov 2, 2024

2 min read

Tip-off is at 4:30pm at Qudos Bank Arena

Both Sydney Kings and Tasmania JackJumpers find themselves in challenging form, setting up a key matchup to close out NBL Round 7.

Sydney, who recently lost to Melbourne United in a tough shooting night, will aim to rebound against a Tasmania team that has struggled with rim protection this season. Sydney’s strength in scoring inside could give them an edge, especially given Tasmania’s issues defending the paint.

Key Matchups

Xavier Cooks (SYD) vs. Tasmania’s Interior Defence: Cooks, with his 59.6% field goal efficiency, is a force inside, averaging 12.4 points per game in the paint—the most in the league. Tasmania allows the most points in the paint per game (43.8), which plays right into Cooks’ offensive strength.
Cam Oliver (SYD) vs. Will Magnay (TAS): Oliver’s return to form was evident in his 18-point, 16-rebound effort against Melbourne. If Magnay can stay out of early foul trouble, he’ll be crucial in contesting Oliver’s presence around the rim and limiting second-chance points.
Jaylen Adams (SYD) vs. Tasmania’s Perimeter Defence: Tasmania limits opponents to a league-best 30% from three, and with Adams’ mobility hindered by a back complaint, Sydney will need him to play efficiently in fewer minutes.

Key Stats

Tasmania’s Paint Struggles: Allow the most points in the paint per game (43.8) in the NBL. Gave up 42 points in the paint in their last meeting with Sydney.
Sydney’s Shooting Strengths: Sydney ranks 2nd in restricting opponent field goal percentage (42.3%), highlighting their ability to close out on shooters. Despite shooting only 29% from three against Melbourne, Sydney scores efficiently in the paint (48 points last game).
Short Turnaround Performance: Tasmania struggles with a two-day turnaround, winning only 2 of 7 such games last season.

Why Sydney Kings Win

Sydney’s advantage lies in their ability to score in the paint, especially with Cooks and Oliver. Tasmania’s inconsistent rim protection, paired with Sydney’s elite defensive stats, should give the Kings the upper hand in both limiting the JackJumpers’ offence and controlling the pace inside.

Why Tasmania JackJumpers Win

Tasmania has kept games close due to their disciplined defence, with three of their five losses by fewer than 10 points. If they can keep Sydney’s big men contained and contest perimeter shots, their defensive pressure could make this a low-scoring affair and provide them a chance to steal the win.

My Opinion

The JackJumpers will need strong paint defence and better three-point shooting to stay competitive, but Sydney’s inside game and scoring depth could prove too much. If Cooks and Oliver dominate around the basket, Sydney is well-positioned to break their losing streak and put Tasmania back on the defensive.

Check NBL Expert Josh Higgins' article on Kings enforcer Cam Oliver