Previewing the Playoffs
The NBL Canada post-season is now just around the corner, and with plenty of tantalising match-ups on the horizon, we have a look to see how the road to the championship is panning out.
Halifax Hurricanes vs Cape Breton Highlanders
The Highlanders are entering uncharted territory, as this is their first appearance in the playoffs. While early on they looked poised to be one of the dominant teams in the league – they led at one point – but fell further and further down the order as the season went on. Potentially as a result of the departure of Bruce Massey.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have had a somewhat uneasy season and have somewhat flown under the radar. Throughout, though, they have been able to count on the efforts of Mike Poole and Joel Kindred, who have appeared in all forty games this season and are among the leading scorers, as well as newly-crowned Defensive Player of the Year Rhamel Brown.
Cape Breton have the talent to avoid the first-night nerves when this series start, while Halifax, having now proved themselves, now have their ultimate goal in their sights and now what they have to do to get there.
London Lightning vs KW Titans
The Titans just managed to eke in to the playoffs - just as the Lightning were able to just able to lock up first place in the Central Division. Both happened late in the season.
In truth, London have not been the dominant force they have been in previous seasons, but have finished the season on a high and they always bring their A-game when it comes to the playoffs. If Akeem Ellis and Ed Horton continue the work they’ve been doing on both ends, KW could pull off an upset here, but they will have a hard time trying to put the breaks on London’s notoriously rampant offence.
Moncton Magic vs Saint John Riptide
There is big disparity between the two teams in this series - Moncton finished with the best record of all the remaining teams, while Saint John had the worst.
Since clinching fourth place in the Atlantic Division, the Riptide have lost one of their top scorers, Bryce Washington, but can still call on stand-outs TJ Maston and Frank Bartley to do some damage on defence.
Moncton, meanwhile, go into the play-offs looking to capitalize on their record-breaking season. With eleven players finishing on double-digit scoring averages, they look like fearsome opponents for any team in this postseason.
Saint John's Edge vs Sudbury Five
This looks to be the most exciting series of the first round.
St. John’s biggest hitters have made them one of the most feared teams in all of the league, but Sudbury have shown throughout the season they are a team never to be written off. Both teams have players who have been strong and dependable all-season long – namely league-leading scorer Braylon Rayson of the Five – which could make for an electric Central Division semi-finals. This one really could go either way.
Teams begin their playoff runs on April 4th - check back here for regular updates.
Picture: NBLCanada.ca
