LV
Last week
NBL Round 3 Power Rankings and Lead-Up
7 games this week, starting with the most under pressure teams in the league- Adelaide facing SEM
Melbourne returns to Perth where they have an incredible record over recent years. Then on Sunday the Wildcats travel to Tasmania for a semi-final rematch.
Lots to look forward to.
Power rankings:
1 Illawarra (Last week - 3) Beat the Kings on the Kings home court, impressive 3-0 start. Look to have all bases covered. Fire-power all round and Swaka Lo Buluk the star stopper creates great balance. Hawks are the "Kings" of the NBL for now.
2 Sydney (Last Week - 1) - Two absolute cracker games against the other title favourites this week. Cooks proving his elite NBL status on a nightly basis, but Adams struggled on Sunday.
3 Perth (Last week - 2) - Lost the nail biter but the efforts by Pepper (sans his last 2 shots) and Windler must be warming red army hearts.
4 United (Last week – 4) - Questions persist about their offensive abilities but they're a tough outfit. Jack White starting to look like the All-NBL player, after massive last quarter vs SEM and game in Tasmania.
5 JJ's (Last week – 7) - Magnay already powering towards a DPOY gong. The monkey is off the back, first win down after much-needed rest. Now with the business of defending the island- and the title.
6 NZ (Last week – 6) - Lots of ups and downs. Almost gave up the 26 point lead in round 1. In round 2, came from behind, found a winning position and almost surrendered another lead. Hard to place, but arguably the only score that matters is 2-0. Now off to the US.
7 Cairns (Last week – 10) A win and 100+ points without Armstrong is enough to catapult up the standings. Speaking of Armstrong, the NBL website says he returns October 4, but that was updated 3 weeks ago?
8 Adelaide (Last week – 5) An unexpected loss and growing questions around the on-court compatibility of Humphries and Trez. Davis has been ok, but hasn't really found his feet. Are Mayen and Marshall good enough to handle the minutes coming their way? DJV needs to be more efficient. Lots of questions as they face a similarly under pressure SEM.
9 SEM (Last week – 8) Tough early fixture but must get a win. Can DWJ and Sobey perform together? Kelly feeling the heat but would probably love a return to the firepit.
10 Brisbane (Last week – 9) From "pathetic" to, not pathetic but nowhere near a win. McDaniel gone for the year. Things quickly going from bad to worse for the Blitz champs.