Basketball: Airs face Rams test without injured playmaker

File photo by John Velvin

The Taranaki Airs face one of their toughest tests of the season on Thursday night when they travel to Christchurch to take on the Canterbury Rams, with both sides missing their starting point guards.

The Airs will be without leading playmaker Aaron Cook Jr, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury after starring in last week's 96-74 win over the Hawke's Bay Hawks in Napier.

Cook Jr's absence leaves a significant hole in the Airs lineup. He leads the Sal's NBL in steals (2.94 per game) and is averaging 6.75 assists, making him one of the competition's premier distributors and defensive guards.

Brandon Stroud is expected to shoulder much of the playmaking responsibility after producing one of his best performances of the season against the Hawks, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and four steals.

Coach John White is expected to start Zavier Adam at point guard alongside Stroud and Nico Hill in the backcourt, while Marcel Jones and James Moors complete the starting five.

Canterbury will also be missing its floor general, with Taylor Britt unavailable for a third straight game because of concussion.

However, the Rams receive a major boost with the return of Cameroon international Tamenang Choh, who has rejoined the team after international duty. Choh tormented the Airs when the sides last met in Hāwera, recording 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists as Canterbury pulled away for a 113-86 victory.

The Rams sit among the Sal's NBL title contenders and boast one of the competition's strongest records at both ends of the court, ranking second in scoring offence and defence while leading the league in blocked shots.

The Airs, meanwhile, kept their playoff hopes alive with last week's commanding win over Hawke's Bay and need another victory to remain in touch with the postseason race.

A key matchup will be in the paint between James Moors and Rams centre Jack Andrew. Moors is averaging 16 points and 10.1 rebounds a game, while Andrew ranks among the league's best rebounders and offensive threats around the basket.

Tip-off is at 7pm at Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre in Christchurch, with the Rapid League from 6pm.