Canterbury Rams vs Southland Sharks – Preview & Prediction: Canterbury Rams will host Southland Sharks in the NZNBL.
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Canterbury Rams vs Southland Sharks Preview
During the offseason, the defending champions put together a roster worthy of defending the title. They kept the domestic backbone of the roster with players like the Isaac brother, Max Darling and Taylor Britt. The biggest domestic signing was the sharpshooting center from Wellington Tohi Smith-Milner, while in the import department the Rams recruited well with an American import CJ Penha and two Australian imports Sean Macdonald and Kyle Bowen. However, the problem for Canterbury is the fact that all three of their imports are still unavailable. Playing importless and showcasing only domestic talent, the Rams opened the season with a heavy loss on the road at the hands of the Tauranga Whai (86:70), but redeemed themselves in front of their home crowd by winning their second game against the Nelson Giants (90:77).
The Canterbury Rams are still playing without imports, so they can be satisfied with their 1-1 W-L record. Today without imports it will be extremely hard for them to win against the stacked Southland Sharks, who should be the favourites in this matchup despite playing away from home.
Last season, the Southland Sharks were one of the worst teams in the league, so during the offseason they decided to build a roster to restore their old glory days. American import Caleb Asberry returned for another stint, while two new import additions are Americans Josiah Allick and Keylan Boone. The domestic core of the roster remained mostly intact with players like Alonzo Burton and Sione Helu staying. The biggest domestic addition was Tukaha Cooper from Auckland along with center Sam Timmins, who will join the team midseason because he is currently playing overseas.
In today´s contest we have a situation of an importless team going up against a team with three imports. The Sharks have already proven they are the real deal by sinking the Otago Nuggets in their season opener (98:70) and today they have a great chance to take down the shorthanded reigning champions.
Claim Now Canterbury Rams vs Southland Sharks H2H
These teams are yet to meet this season.
Injuries and Suspensions
The Canterbury Rams will be without Sean Macdonald, Kyle Bowen and CJ Penha. The Southland Sharks will be without Sam Timmins.
Where to Watch Canterbury Rams vs Southland Sharks?
Canterbury Rams vs Southland Sharks Best Betting Tip and Prediction
The hosts are heavily shorthanded and playing without any imports. On the other hand, the guests are boasting almost a complete roster with a full import quota, so we expect them to come out on top this Saturday. That is why we opted for the Southland Sharks to cover the spread.
Tip-off Time: Saturday, 22.03.2025, 07:30 CET
Prediction: Southland Sharks +3.5
Odds: 1.83
Sportsbook: BetLabel
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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