Posted on Sunday, May 24th, 2026
Game Preview: Airs vs Rams
Game Preview: Taranaki Airs (3-5) v Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams (6-2)
The Taranaki Airs return to TSB Hub on Sunday evening in Hawera looking to snap a four-game losing streak, while the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams arrive in New Plymouth less than 48 hours after a tough road win over the Property Brokers Manawatū Jets.
The Rams have had to adjust quickly with Walter Brown still sidelined by a hand injury, but Friday night’s win in Palmerston North showed they still have enough balance to get the job done. Tamenang Choh, Todd Withers and Jack Andrew all delivered major performances, while Taylor Britt continued to steer the team through another tricky road assignment.
For the Airs, the challenge is to find a way to turn encouraging patches into a result. James Moors, Brandon Stroud and Aaron Cook Jr. have all given Taranaki positive signs, but the Airs have not won since late April and now face a Rams team that still owns one of the league’s best defensive profiles.
When: Sunday 24 May, Rapid League 5.00pm, Sal’s NBL 6.00pm
Where: TSB Hub, Hawera
Watch: Live on Sky Sport 4 in New Zealand, ESPN+ in the United States and FIBA YouTube everywhere else
Commentary: Nathan Limm and Judd Flavell
Last Time Out
The Airs were beaten 81-71 by the Mills Albert Wellington Saints in Hawera. Coming off their highest-scoring game of the season, the Saints struggled early, and so did the Airs, with seven turnovers apiece setting the tone in a low-scoring first quarter.
Elijah Pepper helped Wellington settle, scoring efficiently in the second quarter as the Saints opened a six-point halftime lead. Taranaki made a run in the third behind Aaron Cook Jr., but Wellington eventually pulled away in the fourth to secure the win.
Taranaki Airs: Aaron Cook Jr. (15p, 3r, 5a, 4s), James Moors (14p, 9r), Quintin Bailey (10p, 5r, +12)
Mills Albert Wellington Saints: Elijah Pepper (29p, 8r, 3a), Akech Aliir (19p, 8r, 2a), Carlin Davison (10p, 6r, 7a, 3s)
The Rams bounced back with a 100-93 road win over the Jets. Canterbury was missing Brown’s important two-way game allowing Manawatū to start strongly behind good shot-making and early energy.
Jamal Poplar Jr. found himself in foul trouble early, which helped Canterbury stay within tight, before the Rams took control in the second quarter. Choh turned on with a major scoring and rebounding performance, while Withers found form from deep and Andrew was his efficient self to give Canterbury the frontcourt production needed to hold off a dangerous Jets side.
Property Brokers Manawatū Jets: Isiah Small (23p, 15r, 5a), Corey Webster (16p, 3r, 3a), Kaden Sand (13p, 3r, 3a, 2s)
Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams: Tamenang Choh (22p, 11r, 2a), Todd Withers (22p, 5r, 2s), Jack Andrew (18p, 13r, 2a)
What to Expect
Projected Starters
Taranaki Airs
PG: Aaron Cook Jr.
G: Xavier Green
F: Brandon Stroud
F: Taane Samuel
F: James Moors
Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams
G: Taylor Britt
G: Mana Martin
F: Tamenang Choh
F: René Rougeau
C: Jack Andrew
The Rams are still without Brown, which impacts the gameplan on both ends of the court. Without him, the Rams need Choh, Rougeau, Withers and Andrew to cover more ground collectively which the team has the talent to do.
Choh’s production gives the Rams another scoring option from the wing who can attack the paint, Andrew is one of the most efficient interior players in the league, and Withers’ return gives them floor spacing, defence and experience. Britt remains the the key to everything, with his ability to create for himself and others, and the Rams have enough structure to control tempo if they protect the rock.
The quick turnaround is a factor. Canterbury played Friday Night, and with a short handed unit that could matter against an Airs team with athleticism, size and a home crowd behind it. Taranaki will want to test the Rams’ legs early, push off misses and make the visitors defend deeper into possessions.
For the Airs, the key is making the frontcourt work. Moors has been solid in the paint, while Stroud has added offensive punch and defensive activity. Cook Jr. continues to facilitate and Xavier Green remains Taranaki’s key scoring option. If that group can find a better offensive rhythm, the Airs have enough talent to make this a difficult road assignment for Canterbury.
Matchup to Watch: Aaron Cook Jr. v Taylor Britt
Cook Jr. remains Taranaki’s main organiser, averaging 14.1 points and 7.1 assists. His ability to keep the Airs in structure will be crucial against a Rams defence that can still apply pressure even without Brown. If Cook Jr. can limit turnovers, get Green and Stroud downhill, and involve Moors early, Taranaki can make Canterbury work for every stop.
Britt is Canterbury’s engine, averaging 21.5 points and 8.1 assists. With Brown out and the Rams on a short turnaround, his decision-making becomes even more important. He will need to control tempo, create clean looks for Choh, Andrew, Withers and Rougeau, and avoid letting the Airs turn this into a transition-heavy game.
If Cook Jr. wins the pace battle, Taranaki can make this uncomfortable. If Britt controls the tempo, Canterbury can lean on its structure and experience.
Matchup to Watch: James Moors v Jack Andrew
Moors has immediately changed the look of the Airs. He gives Taranaki size, rebounding and another frontcourt passer, but it his ability to score in the paint that is of most value to his team. His challenge is staying out of foul trouble and making his size count against one of the league’s best bigs.
Andrew has been outstanding for the Rams, averaging 16.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks while shooting 64 percent from the field. He is a constant threat on the offensive glass and gives Canterbury a reliable interior target when the offence needs a high-percentage touch.
If Moors can hold his ground, clean the defensive boards and force Andrew to defend without fouling, Taranaki can keep the possession count closer. If Andrew controls the paint, the Rams will have a strong platform even without Brown.
Individual Leaders
Category
Taranaki Airs
Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams
Leading scorer
Xavier Green 17.3
Walter Brown 23.1
Leading rebounder
James Moors 11.0
Jack Andrew 9.6
Leading assists
Aaron Cook Jr. 7.1
Taylor Britt 8.1
Best FG%
Quintin Bailey 53%
Jack Andrew 64%
Best 3PT FG%
Cook Jr. / Tuuta 46%
Walter Brown 47%
Blocks
Quintin Bailey 1.0
Jack Andrew 1.8
Steals
Aaron Cook Jr. 2.9
Walter Brown 1.7
Minutes
Aaron Cook Jr. 35.2
Taylor Britt 33.0
Stats that Matter
Stat
Taranaki Airs
Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams
Points Per Game
83.1 (11th)
97.5 (2nd)
Points Allowed Per Game
90.9 (6th)
89.9 (4th)
Scoring Margin
-7.8 (10th)
+7.6 (3rd)
Field Goal %
46% (9th)
48% (5th)
Field Goal % Defence
48% (8th)
45% (3rd)
Free Throw %
63% (10th)
72% (4th)
3-Point %
30% (10th)
37% (3rd)
3-Point % Defence
34% (7th)
30% (1st)
3-Point FG Made
8.1 (10th)
10.1 (6th)
Rebounds Per Game
36.0 (10th)
43.6 (1st)
Rebounding Margin
-8.3 (11th)
+3.8 (2nd)
Assists Per Game
18.4 (9th)
20.9 (5th)
Assist/Turnover Ratio
1.3 (10th)
1.9 (2nd)
Steals Per Game
9.9 (1st)
6.4 (10th)
Blocks Per Game
2.8 (6th)
5.4 (1st)
Final Word
Canterbury is still one of the league’s best defensive and possession-control teams, even with Brown out, ranking near the top in scoring margin, rebounding, blocks and assist-to-turnover ratio. Taranaki’s best point of difference is pressure, with the Airs sitting among the league leaders in steals, but they need more efficient scoring and a better rebounding night to turn that pressure into a result.
For the Airs, this is about taking advantage of the Rams’ short turnaround and making the game physical early. If Cook Jr. controls the tempo, Moors and Stroud win their matchups and Green finds his scoring rhythm, Taranaki can make this a real home-court test.
For Canterbury, this is about backing up Friday’s road win and continuing to adjust without Brown. If Britt keeps the Rams organised, Choh and Andrew control the frontcourt, and Withers gives them two-way impact, Canterbury has the structure to leave New Plymouth with another important road win.