Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand Breakers Verdict
New Zealand head on the road after an opening weekend win and I'm backing their form to continue in Brisbane. DJ Vasiljevic and Parker Jackson-Cartwright are the prop players and the Breakers to lead at half-time.
- New Zealand beat Illawarra 95-81, leading 54-47 at half-time and committing only five turnovers for the game.
- Vasiljevic scored 24 points in his Breakers debut, while New Zealand went 10/28 from three as a team.
- Jackson-Cartwright produced 23 points and 13 assists in the Round 1 victory.
- Brisbane conceded 113 and 129 points in their final two preseason games, including 67 first-half points against Cairns.
Head to Head
Brisbane won three of the four NBL26 meetings, but New Zealand produced the biggest victory of the series with their 29-point win in Brisbane.
Brisbane Bullets Form
Brisbane begin their NBL27 campaign with a significantly revamped roster under Will Weaver. Arnas Velička takes over at point guard, with Max Mackinnon, Nate Hinton, Jaylin Williams and Tyrell Harrison among the major pieces in a new-look rotation.
Their preseason produced mixed results. Brisbane beat Tasmania 112-91 at the Blitz before losing 113-105 to South East Melbourne and finishing preparations with a 129-98 defeat against Cairns.
Hinton was one of the positives against Cairns, finishing with 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists on 8/14 shooting.
Harrison added 18 points and six rebounds, while Williams contributed 17 points, six assists and five boards.
New Zealand Breakers Form
New Zealand's preparation improved as the season approached. After losing 95-74 to Sydney at the Blitz, they beat Tasmania 96-86, South East Melbourne 103-100 and Melbourne United 90-86 before carrying that form into Round 1.
Their 95-81 win over Illawarra was particularly impressive offensively. New Zealand shot 48% from the field, went 15/16 from the free-throw line and turned the ball over just five times while increasing their lead in each of the first three quarters.
Mennenga led the scoring with 27 points and eight rebounds, Jackson-Cartwright added 23 points and 13 assists, and Vasiljevic scored 24.
The main concern is availability, with Josiah-Jordan James already sidelined by a torn hamstring and Kouat Noi hurting his ankle against Illawarra.