Posted on Monday, July 13th, 2026
Game Preview: Jets vs Giants
The race for the Final 6 has reached the point where every result can carry season-defining ramifications, and Monday night in Palmerston North brings together two teams still fighting to extend their season.
The Property Brokers Manawatū Jets enter with momentum after taking care of business to open the round, while the NBS Nelson Giants arrive after a tough road loss in the South Island. Both sides know the stakes. The Jets have a chance to strengthen their position in the postseason chase, while the Giants can push themselves right back into the thick of the conversation with a road win.
The first meeting between these sides belonged to Nelson, but the Jets now bring a very different backcourt look with Corey Webster in the mix. The Giants, meanwhile, continue to be led by the explosive scoring of Shane Gatling and the all-round production of Kruz Perrott-Hunt, with their frontcourt depth set to play a major role.
When: Monday 13 July, Rapid League 6.00pm, Sal’s NBL 7.00pm
Where: Fly Palmy Arena, Palmerston North
Watch: Sky Sport 2 in New Zealand, ESPN+ in the United States and FIBA YouTube everywhere else
Commentary: Huw and Charlie
Box Score Here
Purchase Tickets Here
Projected Starters
Property Brokers Manawatū Jets
G: Tai Webster
G: Corey Webster
F: Kaden Sand
F: Jamal Poplar Jr.
C: Isiah Small
NBS Nelson Giants
G: Alex McNaught
G: Shane Gatling
G: Kruz Perrott-Hunt
C: Tohi Smith-Milner
F: Eemi Lukkonen
Last Time They Met
Result: NBS Nelson Giants (92) defeat Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (79)
The first meeting between the Jets and Giants was a key result for Nelson, with the Giants finding enough offence and physicality to take control on their home floor.
Shane Gatling led the way with 30 points in a much-needed win, giving Nelson the scoring punch they needed as the game developed, while Tohi Smith-Milner flirted with a triple double. The Giants also found a major edge on the offensive glass, creating extra possessions and making it difficult for the Jets to finish defensive stands.
The Jets had strong individual performances from Jamal Poplar Jr, Tai Webster and Isiah Small, but the Giants’ ability to generate second-chance opportunities and make timely shots proved the difference in a 92-79 result.
Leading Players
NBS Nelson Giants: Shane Gatling (30pts, 5reb, 4ast), Tohi Smith-Milner (24pts, 13reb, 7ast), Kruz Perrott-Hunt (19pts, 5reb, 3ast)
Property Brokers Manawatū Jets: Jamal Poplar Jr (26pts, 19reb, 1ast), Tai Webster (25pts, 5reb, 4ast), Isiah Small (18pts, 9reb, 2stl)
Last Time Out: Jets
Result: Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (97) defeat Big Barrel Hawks (88)
The Jets picked up a vital win in their postseason push, overcoming a slow start before taking control against the understrength Hawks.
Hawke’s Bay built an early lead through Alonzo Burton, but the Jets found their rhythm in the second quarter as Jamal Poplar Jr, Corey Webster and Kaden Sand began to take over. Manawatū won the second period 27-13, flipping the game and putting themselves in position to control the second half.
The Hawks made another push behind Burton’s perimeter shooting, cutting the margin to five, but Corey Webster answered with shot-making when the Jets needed it down the stretch. His ability to create and finish late helped Manawatū stretch the margin back out and close the game.
Leading Players
Property Brokers Manawatū Jets: Corey Webster (32pts, 2reb, 5ast, 2blk), Jamal Poplar Jr (19pts, 11reb, 2ast, 2stl), Kaden Sand (16pts, 8reb, 2ast)
Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Alonzo Burton (23pts, 3reb, 3ast, 2stl, 6 3PM), Kobe Kara (19pts, 7reb, 4ast), Chase Jeter (16pts, 5reb, 8ast)
Last Time Out: Giants
Result: SBS Bank Southland Sharks (83) defeat NBS Nelson Giants (71)
The Giants carried momentum into their matchup with Southland after Shane Gatling’s 56-point eruption in their previous match, and they started well again as Gatling knocked down two early threes.
From there, it became a gritty battle. Nelson staying strong in the contest, but Southland’s size and interior control eventually took over, with Sam Timmins producing a dominant 22-point, 22-rebound performance.
The Giants had scoring from Kruz Perrott-Hunt and Gatling, but the Sharks were able to extend the margin late in the fourth quarter and close out the win.
Leading Players
Southland Sharks: Sam Timmins (22pts, 22reb, 4blk), Brayden Inger (18pts, 3reb, 1ast), Caleb Asberry (17pts, 4reb, 6ast)
NBS Nelson Giants: Kruz Perrott-Hunt (21pts, 5reb, 5ast), Shane Gatling (20pts, 3reb, 5ast)
What to Expect
Expect both teams to come out swinging, because the stakes are sitting right there for both teams.
The Jets have one of the most dangerous offensive groups in the league when their guards are rolling. Tai Webster can get downhill and collapse a defence, Corey Webster brings elite shot-making, Kaden Sand gives them size and efficiency on the wing, and Jamal Poplar Jr remains one of the league’s premier double-double threats. With Isiah Small’s inside/out work, Manawatū have the frontcourt athleticism to challenge Nelson’s size.
For the Giants, the formula starts with Gatling and Perrott-Hunt. Gatling has quickly become one of the league’s most explosive scorers, while Perrott-Hunt gives Nelson size, scoring, rebounding and playmaking from the guard spot. Alex McNaught’s effort, Tohi Smith-Milner’s interior work and Eemi Lukkonen’s versatility will also be central, while Daniel Saylor comes off the bench to bolster the frontcourt.
Nelson won the first matchup by owning the glass and creating second chances. If they repeat that, they give themselves a real chance on the road. If the Jets protect the boards and keep the pace high, their offensive firepower can stretch the Giants in a hurry.
Matchup to Watch: Corey Webster and Tai Webster v Shane Gatling and Kruz Perrott-Hunt
Corey Webster is coming off a 32-point performance against the Hawks and remains one of the hardest shot-makers in the league to contain once he gets rhythm. Tai Webster adds another layer with his ability to pressure the paint, create for others and punish defenders in transition.
The Giants counter with two high-level weapons of their own. Shane Gatling is averaging 27.7 points per game and has already shown he can take over a game in a hurry, while Kruz Perrott-Hunt brings size, balance and all-round production at 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
Whichever backcourt can control the tempo, limit live-ball turnovers and turn tough possessions into points will give their team a major edge.
Matchup to Watch: Jamal Poplar Jr and Isiah Small v Tohi Smith-Milner and Eemi Lukkonen
The first meeting was decided in large part by Nelson’s work on the glass, and this frontcourt battle will again be crucial.
Jamal Poplar Jr is averaging 21.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, giving the Jets a high-volume scoring and rebounding presence. Isiah Small adds size, finishing and rim protection, while also giving Manawatū another player who can punish mismatches around the rim.
For the Giants, Tohi Smith-Milner remains one of their most important stabilisers. He is averaging 11.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists, and his ability to pass from the frontcourt gives Nelson structure. Eemi Lukkonen adds mobility and efficiency, while Daniel Saylor provides another interior body from the bench.
If the Jets can neutralise Nelson’s second-chance scoring, they will feel much better about their chances. If the Giants can win the boards again, they can slow the game and keep pressure on the Jets’ defence.
Matchup to Watch: Kaden Sand v Liam Judd
Kaden Sand gives the Jets a strong two-way wing who can score, defend and rebound across multiple spots. He is averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 48 percent from the field, 42 percent from three and 88 percent from the line, making him one of Manawatū’s most efficient scoring options.
Liam Judd comes off the bench for the Giants in this one, but his role could still be important. He has started most of the season and brings size, shooting and defensive versatility. With Nelson missing Sam Dempster, Judd’s minutes and production become even more important.
If Sand can find clean looks and attack mismatches, the Jets will have another scorer to support the Webster brothers and Poplar Jr. If Judd can slow him while adding timely scoring of his own, Nelson’s bench impact could become a real factor.
Individual Leaders
Category
Property Brokers Manawatū Jets
NBS Nelson Giants
Leading Scorer
Tai Webster, 21.7 PPG / Jamal Poplar Jr, 21.5 PPG
Shane Gatling, 27.7 PPG
Leading Rebounder
Jamal Poplar Jr, 10.5 RPG
Tohi Smith-Milner, 8.4 RPG
Leading Assists
Tai Webster, 5.3 APG
Alex McNaught, 4.9 APG
Best FG%
Tai Webster, 59%
Daniel Saylor, 56%
Best 3PT%
Kaden Sand, 42%
Shane Gatling, 37%
Blocks
Isiah Small, 1.4 BPG
Daniel Saylor, 1.5 BPG
Steals
Kaden Sand, 1.4 SPG
Alex McNaught, 1.4 SPG
Minutes
Kaden Sand, 33.2 MPG
Alex McNaught, 32.3 MPG
Stats That Matter
Stat
Property Brokers Manawatū Jets
NBS Nelson Giants
Points Per Game
90.8, 5th
85.2, 9th
Points Allowed
99.0, 11th
90.1, 7th
Scoring Margin
-8.2, 9th
-4.9, 6th
Field Goal %
47%, 5th
41%, 11th
Field Goal % Defence
47%, 8th
45%, 4th
Free Throw %
72%, 5th
74%, 2nd
3 Point %
34%, 5th
32%, 8th
3 Point % Defence
35%, 10th
31%, 3rd
3 Point Makes Per Game
7.6, 11th
11.1, 2nd
Rebounds Per Game
40.2, 8th
42.9, 4th
Rebounding Margin
-1.9, 7th
-1.8, 6th
Offensive Rebounds Per Game
10.2, 5th
9.8, 7th
Defensive Rebounds Per Game
26.8, 6th
28.2, 4th
Offensive Rebounding %
28%, 5th
25%, 9th
Defensive Rebounding %
70%, 11th
72%, 7th
Assists Per Game
18.3, 9th
18.1, 10th
Steals Per Game
6.2, 10th
6.5, 9th
Blocks Per Game
4.4, 2nd
2.3, 9th
Turnover Margin
-1.7, 10th
-0.5, 7th
Assist/Turnover Ratio
1.35, 10th
1.51, 9th
Last Word
This is a major game in the Final 6 chase.
The Jets have the scoring punch, the home floor and the momentum of a needed win behind them. The Giants have already beaten them once, have enough shot-making to threaten any team, and know another result over Manawatū would keep their postseason push alive.
For the Jets, it starts with pace, backcourt scoring and cleaning up the defensive glass. For the Giants, it is about Gatling’s shot-making, Perrott-Hunt’s all-round impact and winning the possession battle again.
At this stage of the season, style points do not matter. The only thing that matters is finding a way to stay alive.