Tasmania JackJumpers vs Brisbane Bullets NBL Round 14 Game Preview

Dec 28, 2024

2 min read

Tip-off is at 2:30pm AEDT on Sunday 29th December at MyState Bank Arena

Tasmania JackJumpers vs Brisbane Bullets Expert Analysis

The Tasmania JackJumpers look to extend their seven-game win streak as they host the Brisbane Bullets in Round 14 action.

The JackJumpers have been riding high on the back of elite defense and an increasingly potent bench led by Jordan Crawford. Meanwhile, Brisbane comes into this matchup looking to rebound from a demoralizing 102-84 loss to the Illawarra Hawks, where their offensive rhythm fell apart.

Tasmania’s stifling defense, ranked 1st in the league, will challenge a Brisbane team that thrives on offensive flow but struggles to find answers when disrupted. This clash sets up a fascinating battle of styles, with the JackJumpers' lockdown defense likely dictating the pace.

Key Matchups

Jordan Crawford vs. Brisbane’s Second Unit: Crawford has been electric off the bench, averaging 22 points in his last three games. Brisbane’s depth, which allowed 39 bench points to Illawarra, will need to step up to limit Crawford's impact.
Tasmania’s Defense vs. Brisbane’s Offense: Tasmania ranks 1st in opponent points allowed (83.2), while Brisbane’s 3rd-ranked offense (95.8 PPG) depends heavily on perimeter shooting. The JackJumpers’ ability to close out on shooters could neutralize Brisbane’s scoring weapons.
Majok Deng vs. Brisbane’s Frontcourt: With Will Magnay out, Deng has stepped into a pivotal role for Tasmania. His versatility could be key against Brisbane's undersized rebounding unit.

Key Stats

Tasmania allows the fewest points per game in the league (83.2).
The JackJumpers bench ranks 3rd in scoring (31.2 PPG) and posted 61 of 97 points against New Zealand in their last game.
Brisbane allows the 5th-highest bench points per game and struggled defensively in their last matchup, allowing 102 points.
Brisbane ranks 1st in 3P% (39.4%), but Tasmania leads the league in opponent 3P% (30.8%).

Why Tasmania Wins

The JackJumpers’ defense has been suffocating all season, and their ability to force turnovers (13.1 per game) will likely disrupt Brisbane’s offensive flow. Jordan Crawford’s scoring off the bench adds a dynamic element to Tasmania’s offense, which has surged to 94.1 PPG over their last six games.

If the JackJumpers control the tempo and capitalize on Brisbane's defensive lapses, they’ll have a clear path to victory.

Why Brisbane Wins

Brisbane’s high-powered offense can be devastating when firing on all cylinders. Casey Prather has been in strong form, and if he gets support from the likes of Keandre Cook and Tyrell Harrison, the Bullets can outscore even the stingiest defenses.

For Brisbane to pull off the upset, they must protect the ball and find ways to break down Tasmania’s perimeter defense.

Conclusion

This game pits the league’s best defense against one of its most potent offenses. While Brisbane has the firepower to challenge, their inconsistency and struggles against top defensive units make Tasmania the favorite.

The JackJumpers’ bench, led by Jordan Crawford, combined with their ability to dictate pace through defense, should give them the edge. Expect Tasmania to extend their win streak in a relatively low-scoring affair.