Basketball: Airs fighting to keep finals hopes alive against Giants

File photo by John Velvin

The Taranaki Airs' playoff hopes will go on the line when they host the Nelson Giants in a must-win Sal's National Basketball League clash at TSB Stadium on Wednesday night.

With only a handful of regular season games remaining, the Airs sit eighth on the ladder with a 6-11 record, just outside the top six, while the Giants are 10th at 5-13 and also clinging to their postseason hopes.

A victory would keep Taranaki firmly in the hunt for a finals berth, while defeat would leave coach John White's side needing other results to fall their way.

The Airs enter the contest buoyed by an encouraging display despite last week's heartbreaking 93-90 loss to the Canterbury Rams.

After leading for much of the contest, Taranaki was edged out in the closing stages, with the result only confirmed after the Rams held their nerve from the free-throw line.

Nico Hill led the Airs with 18 points, while Marcel Jones contributed 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. James Moors added 16 points and eight rebounds.

White will also be hoping to have star point guard Aaron Cook Jr available after he was listed as a game-time decision with a hamstring injury. Luka Vea is also in doubt with an ankle injury.

Cook's return would provide a major boost, with the American guard among the league leaders in both assists and steals while orchestrating much of Taranaki's offence.

The Giants arrive in New Plymouth after a gruelling 120-113 double-overtime loss to the Manawatū Jets, with Kruz Perrott-Hunt scoring 38 points and Shane Gatling continuing his prolific scoring form.

Gatling has quickly become one of the league's most dangerous offensive players, averaging 26.7 points per game since joining Nelson and leading the competition in three-pointers made.

Nelson may also be without Liam Judd, who is battling illness after missing the Giants' last outing. Judd starred when the teams first met this season, scoring 26 points and grabbing six rebounds in Nelson's 107-91 victory.

The Airs will be looking to reverse that result after the Giants dominated the middle quarters of the first encounter before holding off a late Taranaki comeback.

White's side will again look to its frontcourt combination of Moors, Jones and Taane Samuel to establish control around the basket, while Brandon Stroud and Hill will be expected to shoulder more of the offensive load if Cook is unavailable.

Tip-off at TSB Stadium is scheduled for 7pm, with the Rapid League curtain-raiser beginning at 6pm.