Posted on Monday, June 22nd, 2026
Game Preview: Hawks vs Sharks
The Big Barrel Hawks return to Rodney Green Arenas on Monday night still chasing the dream of a top-six finish, but the task in front of them is a big one.
The SBS Bank Southland Sharks arrive in Napier looking for a response after their 10-game winning streak was snapped on their home court to tip off the round. Southland remains one of the league’s best teams, but injuries have changed the shape of the group, with key contributors unavailable.
For the Hawks, this is close to must-win territory. They pushed the ladder leaders in their last outing but could not complete the road upset, and with the finals race tightening, moral victories are no longer enough. Hawke’s Bay needs results, and knocking off the Sharks would put them in the thick of the postseason chase.
But the Sharks aren’t the only team with injury worries as the Hawks are again keeping a close eye on Chase Jeter, who is listed as questionable with a knee injury after missing the last match. If he is available, the Hawks have another body to throw at Sam Timmins. If he is limited or unavailable, the Hawks frontcourt will have a major job to do against one of the league’s best bigs.
When: Monday 22 June, Rapid League 6.00pm, Sal’s NBL 7.00pm
Where: Rodney Green Arenas, Napier
Watch: Sky Sport 3 in New Zealand, ESPN+ in the United States and FIBA YouTube everywhere else
Commentary: Nathan Limm and Krystal Leger-Walker
Last Time Out
The Hawks were beaten 85-74 by the Jadcup Auckland Tuatara.
Auckland controlled much of the contest, building an early advantage behind strong shot-making and timely scoring from multiple contributors. The Tuatara led 17-14 at quarter time and maintained their edge through the middle stages, with key baskets from Sean Bairstow, Isaac Davidson and Thomas Vodanovich helping stretch the margin.
Hawke’s Bay continued to battle behind the scoring of Dan Grida and Keanu Rasmussen, cutting the deficit to single digits on several occasions in the second half. But Auckland responded each time, including a crucial fourth-quarter stretch highlighted by back-to-back threes from Bairstow and Davidson.
Grida was outstanding for the Hawks, finishing with 27 points and 15 rebounds, while Rasmussen added 23 points and 9 assists. But the Tuatara had enough balance and control to close out the win despite their best efforts.
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara 85: Isaac Davidson (18p, 5r, 1a), Sean Bairstow (16p, 7r, 7a), Joshua Dilling (15p, 3r, 1a)
Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks 74: Dan Grida (27p, 15r, 1a), Keanu Rasmussen (23p, 4r, 9a), Jeremy McLaughlin (19p, 6r)
The Sharks were beaten 93-84 by the Taranaki Airs, ending Southland’s 10-game winning streak.
Southland started well behind the interior presence of Timmins and the shot-making of Caleb Asberry, taking a 42-37 lead into halftime. The Sharks eventually pushing the margin into double digits, but Taranaki stayed connected early before lifting their play t0 take control in the second half.
Aaron Cook Jr led the Airs’ comeback with a strong all-round performance, including momentum-shifting defensive plays and timely transition scores . James Moors made his presence felt around the rim on both ends of the court, while the Airs’ defensive intensity disrupted Southland’s rhythm after the break.
For the Sharks, Asberry and Keylan Boone provided strong scoring nights, while Timmins controlled the glass, but Southland could not find the offensive efficiency from behind the arc needed to hold off the Airs’ second-half push.
SBS Bank Southland Sharks 84: Caleb Asberry (25p, 3r, 3a, 2s), Keylan Boone (20p, 11r, 2a, 3s), Sam Timmins (11p, 16r, 4a, 1b)
Taranaki Airs 93: Brandon Stroud (21p, 2r, 7a, 2s), Marcel Jones (16p, 10r, 2a, 1s), Aaron Cook Jr (12p, 2r, 10a, 3s)
What to Expect
Projected Starters
Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks
G: Keanu Rasmussen
G: Alonzo Burton
G: Dan Grida
F: Jeremy McLaughlin
C: Chase Jeter
SBS Bank Southland Sharks
G: Tobias Cameron
G: Caleb Asberry
F: Keylan Boone
F: Brayden Inger
C: Sam Timmins
The Sharks are still one of the league’s most dangerous teams, but this is not quite the same version that built the 10-game winning streak.
Jones being out removes a needed piece who offered a steady hand, scoring and ball handling to relieve pressure. Cooper also being out takes away another perimeter weapon and much needed wind defence, while Darling’s calf injury limits the frontcourt depth once again. That puts more responsibility on Cameron, Asberry, Boone, Inger and Timmins to control the game and generate offence.
Southland still has plenty of firepower. Asberry has been a major generator of offence at high efficiency from both sides of the three point arc. . Timmins is double-double machine and he remains the league’s leading shot-blocker. Boone and Inger give the Sharks size, shooting and defensive versatility, while Cameron gives them another creator who can score while defending physically on the wing.
For Hawke’s Bay, this is about belief and urgency. The Hawks have been competitive against the stronger teams in the competition, but they must have wins to stay in the finals conversation. Grida and Rasmussen continue to carry the load, with both averaging more than 20 points per game. McLaughlin has become an important interior scorer, and Burton gives the Hawks experience and another perimeter option.
The question mark around Jeter’s health is important. If he plays, Hawke’s Bay can match more of Southland’s size and give Timmins a more direct battle. If he cannot go, the Hawks will need McLaughlin, Kobe Kara, Ezrah Eagle and the rest of the frontcourt to absorb difficult minutes while sending extra bodies into the paint to even the battle.
The Hawks need to make this a home-court fight. They need to rebound, keep turnovers down and get enough scoring support around Grida and Rasmussen. The Sharks need to respond quickly from the Taranaki loss and prove they can control games without Jones and Cooper in the backcourt, but that is easier said than done.
Matchup to Watch: Chase Jeter and Jeremy McLaughlin v Sam Timmins
This is the interior battle, and it could swing the game.
Timmins remains one of the league’s most impactful bigs. He is averaging 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 blocks, giving Southland scoring, rebounding, passing and rim protection. Even in the loss to Taranaki, he finished with 11 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists, showing how much of Southland’s structure runs through him.
For Hawke’s Bay, Jeter’s availability matters. He is listed as questionable with a knee injury, but if he can play, he gives the Hawks size, rebounding and another player who can make Timmins work. Jeter is averaging 13.0 points and 9.1 rebounds, and while his ability to hold up physically would be a major boost his perimeter prowess would be key in pulling Timmins away from the paint.
McLaughlin will be key either way. He is averaging 13.7 points on 56 percent shooting and gives Hawke’s Bay efficient scoring around the rim. If Jeter is limited, McLaughlin’s minutes, rebounding and defensive discipline become even more important.
For Southland, Timmins needs to control the paint and punish mismatches while keeping himself out of foul trouble. For Hawke’s Bay, Jeter and McLaughlin need to limit Sharks opportunities on the offensive glass and make the sharks defend through contact in the paint.
If Timmins dominates inside, the Sharks will most likely take control of the game. If the Hawks can make this matchup a contest, they give themselves a real chance to defend the nest.
Matchup to Watch: Keanu Rasmussen and Dan Grida v Caleb Asberry and Tobias Cameron
Rasmussen and Grida are the heart of the Hawks’ offence. Rasmussen is averaging 20.7 points and 5.9 assists, while Grida is averaging 20.8 points and 9.5 rebounds. Against Auckland, they again carried the fight, combining for 50 points as Hawke’s Bay tried to stay attached to the league leaders.
Asberry gives Southland the counter. He is one of the league’s most efficient scorers, averaging 21.5 points while shooting 57 percent from the field, 45 percent from three and 91 percent at the free-throw line. With Jones unavailable, Asberry’s shot creation and scoring will need to give way to facilitation to keep the offences humming along, which can change the feel and flow of the offensive attack.
Cameron’s role also grows. He joins the starting group for the first time this season and gives Southland another guard who can create, defend and make plays in space. Without Jones and Cooper, the Sharks need Cameron to act as a connector for the offence and keep the ball moving.
For Hawke’s Bay, Rasmussen and Grida need to apply pressure from the opening minutes. If they can attack Southland’s altered backcourt and force the Sharks into rotations, the Hawks can make this uncomfortable for their guests.
For Southland, Asberry and Cameron need to be clean with the ball and efficient with their chances. If they can control tempo and keep the Sharks connected, Southland can absorb the missing pieces and stay within touch distance of the top of the ladder.
Matchup to Watch: Alonzo Burton and Jeremy McLaughlin v Keylan Boone and Brayden Inger
Burton gives Hawke’s Bay experience, shooting and composure. His numbers do not always jump off the page, but his decision-making and ability to hit timely shots matter for a Hawks team that needs balance around Rasmussen and Grida.
McLaughlin gives the Hawks a more physical scoring option. His efficiency around the rim helps prevent Hawke’s Bay from becoming too perimeter-reliant, and his work on the glass will be important against Boone and Inger.
Boone and Inger give Southland size and versatility on the wings. Boone is averaging 14.5 points and 6.8 rebounds, while Inger is averaging 14.2 points and shooting 46 percent from three. Both can punish defensive mistakes, and both can help Southland control the glass.
If Burton and McLaughlin give the Hawks efficient support, Hawke’s Bay can keep the pressure on. If Boone and Inger win this matchup, the Sharks’ depth and size become difficult to handle.
Individual Leaders
Category
Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks
SBS Bank Southland Sharks
Leading scorer
Grida 20.8 / Rasmussen 20.7
Caleb Asberry 21.5
Leading rebounder
Grida 9.5 / Jeter 9.1
Sam Timmins 10.8
Leading assists
Keanu Rasmussen 5.9
Jones 6.8 / Timmins 4.2 / Asberry 4.2
Best FG%
Bush III 60% / McLaughlin 56%
Timmins 58% / Asberry 57%
Best 3PT FG%
Allan 50% / Jeter 42%
Webster 53% / Inger 46%
Blocks
McLaughlin 0.9 / Jeter 0.9
Sam Timmins 1.8
Steals
Dan Grida 1.8
Jones 2.5 / Boone 1.7
Minutes
Keanu Rasmussen 34.5
Sam Timmins 34.0
Stats that Matter
Stat
Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks
SBS Bank Southland Sharks
Points Per Game
89.8 ppg (7th)
94.6 ppg (4th)
Points Allowed Per Game
96.2 ppg (9th)
87.8 ppg (4th)
Scoring Margin
-6.3 (8th)
+6.9 (4th)
Field Goal %
44% (9th)
48% (4th)
Field Goal % Defence
47% (8th)
45% (4th)
Free Throw %
69% (8th)
70% (7th)
3-Point %
29% (11th)
36% (1st)
3-Point % Defence
36% (9th)
33% (6th)
3-Point FG Made
8.0 (10th)
12.1 (1st)
Rebounds Per Game
42.6 (5th)
41.3 (7th)
Rebounding Margin
-0.6 (6th)
+0.5 (5th)
Offensive Rebound Percentage
26% (7th)
28% (5th)
Defensive Rebounds Percentage
72% (8th)
72% (7th)
Assists Per Game
18.1 (9th)
20.6 (4th)
Steals Per Game
6.8 (8th)
8.5 (3rd)
Blocks Per Game
2.8 (6th)
3.3 (4th)
Turnover Margin
-0.8 (7th)
+1.0 (4th)
Assist/Turnover Ratio
1.6 (7th)
1.6 (6th)
Last Word
This is a huge game for Hawke’s Bay and an important opportunity for Southland to show off their ability to respond to adversity.
The Hawks are chasing a top-six place and need to turn competitive performances into wins sooner rather than later if they want to claim a spot in the chasing pack. Grida and Rasmussen give them star power, McLaughlin has been efficient, Burton gives them experience, and if Jeter is healthy enough to impact the game, they have the size to make the paint more competitive.
The Sharks are trying to bounce back after their first loss in 11 games. They still have Timmins, Asberry, Boone and Inger, but without Jones, Cooper and Darling, they need others to step into bigger roles. Cameron’s start is important, and Southland will need cleaner execution than it produced in the second half against Taranaki to get back to their winning ways.
For Hawke’s Bay, the key is staying attached into the fourth quarter. They need to make this physical, protect the ball and limit Southland’s three-point rhythm.
For the Sharks, the formula is to control the middle through Timmins, get Asberry clean looks and use their defensive pressure to create separation.
If the Hawks bring the same urgency they showed in stretches against Auckland and get enough support around their main scorers, the finals dream stays alive. If Southland responds like a top-four team, the Sharks can steady themselves quickly after the streak-ending loss and maintain their top two positioning.