Basketball: Airs out to keep playoff hopes alive

The Taranaki Airs will be without import Xavier Green for Thursday night's must-win National Basketball League clash against the Hawke's Bay Hawks in Napier after farewelling the American guard.

The club confirmed Green's departure this week, thanking him for his contribution both on and off the court.

"It's been an honour and a privilege to have Xavier Green be a part of our 2026 Taranaki Airs squad," the club said.

"His contribution to the team, his impact on the kids through our Airs in Schools programme and his willingness to come from America to New Zealand have left a mark on our 2026 team."

The Airs sit outside the top six but remain within striking distance of the playoffs, with Thursday's clash another must-win as they look to keep their Finals Six hopes alive.

Taranaki can also complete a season sweep of the Hawks after beating Hawke's Bay 93-84 earlier this season. That victory was built on a dominant second half, with Aaron Cook Jr starring with 17 points, 14 assists and four steals, while Marcel Jones added 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The Airs head into the match looking to bounce back from a 90-77 loss to the Otago Nuggets in Hāwera last weekend, where Brandon Stroud top-scored with 20 points and James Moors recorded another double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Despite their inconsistency on offence, defence has been one of the Airs' biggest strengths this season. They lead the league in turnover differential and rank among the competition's better defensive rebounding teams.

The Hawks will also be looking to recover after a 93-77 defeat to the Canterbury Rams but have been dealt a blow with leading scorer Keanu Rasmussen unavailable while on Tall Blacks duty.

His absence places greater responsibility on Daniel Grida, who scored 26 points against Canterbury and 23 in the first meeting with the Airs.

For Taranaki, Cook Jr will again be the key. The American guard is among the league leaders in assists and steals and will be relied upon to dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities.

Moors will also have an important role in the paint against Hawks centre Chase Jeter, with the battle on the boards expected to play a major part in deciding the contest.

A win would keep the Airs firmly in the hunt for a Finals Six berth, while defeat would make their path to the postseason considerably more difficult.

The Rapid League tips off at 6pm before the Sal's NBL game begins at 7pm at Rodney Green Arenas in Napier.