The National Basketball League has reached the business end with the finals being staged at Wellington's TSB Bank Arena beginning with the semifinals tonight.
Waikato Pistons v Hawkes Bay Hawks
Waikato Pistons forward Thomas Abercrombie has not lost a game in the National Basketball League this season and heads an all-star cast for tonight's semifinal against the Hawkes Bay Hawks.
If form has any say in the outcome, the Pistons should breeze past the Hawks.
Since Abercrombie joined the campaign fresh from a successful season with the Breakers, the Hamilton-based side has won 11 consecutive games in the league.
Abercrombie is part of an incredibly talented line-up which features fellow Breaker Alex Pledger and the best guard line in the league with Jerry Smith, Jason Crowe and former Otago Nugget Hayden Allen.
The Hawks will look to proven scorers Josh Pace and Paora Winitana to keep the scoreboard moving.
Our tip: Pistons 89-71
Wellington Saints v Nelson Giants
Defending champion the Wellington Saints have been in dominant form but their nemesis the Nelson Giants have had the better of recent encounters.
The Saints have enough talent to win the fixture, with the likes of Tall Blacks trio Lindsay Tait, Casey Frank and Corey Webster.
But the Giants match-up well against the Saints and have won six of the past seven meetings, including three straight at TSB Bank Arena.
Experienced guard Phill Jones is closing in on 6000 points and Mika Vukona is one of hardest-working forwards in the league. The Giants also have two good imports in Darryl Dora and Rod Grizzard.
The Saints, though, have a deep roster with the likes of Erron Maxey, George Le'afa and Troy McLean coming off the bench.
Our tip: Saints 82-79
