Games of the Week Preview: May 10-12

Another weekend of NBL1 hoops is coming and that means we need to break down the Games of the Week, all live & free on Kayo Freebies. 

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See the preview for each game below: 

Friday, Round 7: Cockburn Cougars vs Perth Redbacks 

Women’s live from 6:30pm AWST 

The defending champions will host the Perth Redbacks in a must-watch Friday night clash. 

Both teams saw major retooling this offseason, with the Redbacks adding Natalie Chou and Anneli Maley, while the defending champions brought in Perth Lynx star Alex Ciabattoni.

Stephanie Gorman does not miss ?

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The player to watch is Steph Gorman. The 24-year-old reigning Defensive Player of the Year will be in charge of disrupting the Redbacks’ potent offence, ranking sixth in team points per game.

Men’s live from 8:30pm AWST 

Following the women’s game, we’ll have another exciting game as the new-look Cougars face off against the Redbacks. 

With the additions of Kyle Armour and Rhys Vague, the team alongside Josh Hunt’s ascent into stardom, Cockburn is 3-4 for the season and has the chance to even their record against Perth. 

2023 All-Star Five member Joe Cook-Green will have to carry the scoring load if the Redbacks can claim their fourth win of the season. 

Saturday, Round 8: Forestville Eagles vs South Adelaide Panthers 

Women’s live from 6:15pm ACST 

WNBA draft pick Isobel Borlase will be ready to take on the Ash ‘Splash’ Spencer’s South Adelaide Panthers in what will be a phenomenal game of South Australian basketball. 

While falling short to the Lions in Round 7, the Panthers are set to bounce back with Sam Defrancesco, Brittany Hodges and Spencer all in hot form. 

While the Eagles took down the Bearcats at home, the core of Rachael King, Jess Simons and Maddison Freer, alongside the new addition of Borlase, have created quite the menacing starting line-up in Central. 

Men’s live from 8:00pm ASCT 

The big three Adam Doyle, Greg Mays and Daniel Johnson will be going up against the back-to-back conference Defensive Player of the Year Alex Starling in a mouth-watering match-up. 

Coming off a heroic performance where he scored 36 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals, the conference superstar has been in career-high form with his Panthers and has been nothing short of spectacular in the 2024 season. 

He will have his hands full this weekend as the pick-and-roll duo of Doyle and Mays has already appeared on the Mitsubishi Motors Top 10 plays multiple times. Alongside Adelaide legend Daniel Johnson, this will be a must-watch. 

THERE GOES GREG MAYS ?

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Saturday, Round 6: Ballarat Miners vs Eltham Wildcats 

Women’s live from 5:30pm AEST 

Led by Foot Locker Player of the Week Chloe Bibby, the Ballarat Miners will host the Eltham Wildcats in an intriguing match-up. 

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With the core of Hailey Leidel, Lily Scanlon and Rebecca Pizzey, the Wildcats sit eighth on the ladder with a record of 4-3. 

Coming off a fantastic WNBL season, Eltham’s defence will have their hands full with Bibby coming off a nearly 40-point performance against Keilor. 

Men’s live from 7:30pm AEST

Two South East Melbourne Phoenix guards will go head-to-head as Eltham’s Owen Foxwell will take on Ballarat’s Luke Rosendale on Saturday night. 

The Wildcats have lost their last two games in a row and have a double-header weekend starting in Ballarat to try to turn around their season after falling to 11th on the ladder. 

The Miners have risen to fifth on the ladder, off the back of Nicholas Stoddart’s fantastic three-game stretch averaging over 22 points per game, after he averaged 12.7 in his first four games. 

Saturday, Round 5: Sunshine Coast Phoenix vs Cairns Dolphins & Marlins 

Women’s live from 5:30pm AEST 

Two teams beaming with young talent, the Dolphins will head down the coast to play against the Phoenix this weekend.

The Dolphins have had one of the hardest schedules through four rounds, playing against Townsville, North Gold Coast and Darwin twice already. But the x-factor in the Dolphins getting their first win will be Teyahna Bond, as the 17-year-old is averaging 16 points per game with a season-high of 26 points. 

She’ll be going up against Carlie Smith, who leads the Phoenix in points and rebounds per game so far this season. 

Expect a lot of development local talent showing everything they have to offer on Saturday night. 

Men’s live from 7:30pm AEST 

With the Phoenix coming off a bye, they’ll be rested and ready to take on the Carlins Marlins on Saturday night. 

Sitting fourth with a 3-1 record, Sunshine Coast is looking like a Finals threat and will have a tough night ahead guarding Cairns. 

Featuring in the NBL’s latest Heat Check episode, Kody Stattman was highlighted for his massive three games for the Marlins so far. The 6’8” forward is looking to find his consistency in his hometown of Cairns.  

Sunday, Round 6: Newcastle Falcons vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 

Men’s live from 1:00pm AEST 

After a painful 2023 season, Manly Warringah have already matched their four wins from last season coming into Round 6 – currently sitting fourth on the East ladder. With Foot Locker Player of the Week Matt Eldridge, the Sea Eagles look dangerous and will be a great challenge for Newcastle. 

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Finishing within the Finals bracket last season, the 2-5 Falcons have a mountain to climb on Sunday if they want to turn their season around. With the duo of Ryan Beisty and Myles Cherry, they have a chance to win any game, as shown by their single-digit losses to the Comets and the Gunners earlier this season. 

Women’s live from 3:15pm AEST 

It’s two versus three on the ladder in a battle between undefeated teams. 

The runners-up from last year are 5-0 with Manly Warringah looking as dominant as last season. With six players currently averaging double-digits in points, alongside the addition of import Brooke Flowers, Manly should be able to extend their perfect streak.

However, the reigning NBL1 East MVP Nicole Munger will be ready to defend home court with her 7-0 squad. Averaging over 80 points per game, the Falcons are one of the most dangerous offences in the NBL1 East, setting up what should be a classic match on Sunday afternoon.