NBA Pre-Season Kicks Off with New Zealand Breakers’ Exciting Matchups
As the NBA pre-season gets underway this Saturday, basketball fans are in for a treat as the NBL’s New Zealand Breakers prepare to face off against three NBA teams over the next week. This marks an exciting opportunity for the Breakers, who currently sit second on the NBL ladder after securing victories against the Brisbane Bullets and South East Melbourne Phoenix in their opening games of the season. With momentum on their side, the Breakers are ready to take on the challenge of competing against some of the best in the NBA.
Breakers’ Pre-Season Schedule
The Breakers’ journey in the NBA pre-season begins with a highly anticipated matchup against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, October 5. Following that, they will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, October 8, and conclude their tour with a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, October 11. This year’s NBLxNBA pre-season games are particularly special, marking the sixth time in eight years that NBL teams have traveled to the U.S. for NBA pre-season action, with the Breakers having participated in five prior pre-season games.
New Zealand Breakers NBA Pre-Season Schedule 2024
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Utah Jazz vs. NZ Breakers
Date: Saturday, October 5
Time: 11:00 a.m. AEST
Location: Delta Center
TV Channel: ESPN/Kayo
Live Stream: NBA League Pass -
Philadelphia 76ers vs. NZ Breakers
Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 10:00 a.m. AEST
Location: Wells Fargo Center
TV Channel: ESPN/Kayo
Live Stream: NBA League Pass - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. NZ Breakers
Date: Friday, October 11
Time: 11:00 a.m. AEST
Location: BOK Center
TV Channel: ESPN/Kayo
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
How to Watch the Breakers in Action
For fans eager to catch every moment of the Breakers’ NBLxNBA pre-season games, there are several viewing options available. The first game against the Utah Jazz is particularly noteworthy, as it will feature Patty Mills making his debut in a Jazz uniform. Mills, who joined the Jazz on a one-year deal during the offseason, reunites with former Spurs assistant coach Will Hardy, who is now in his third season as head coach of the Jazz.
Matchup Highlights
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Utah Jazz vs. New Zealand Breakers
The Breakers’ opening game is a must-watch for Australian fans, especially with Patty Mills taking the court. His transition to the Jazz is highly anticipated, and fans will be eager to see how he meshes with his new teammates. -
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Zealand Breakers
The Breakers face their toughest challenge against the Philadelphia 76ers, who have bolstered their roster with the addition of Paul George, joining stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. This matchup promises to be a thrilling test for the Breakers as they go up against one of the league’s most formidable lineups. - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Zealand Breakers
Although Josh Giddey has moved on from the Thunder, the team still features Australian talent with Alex Ducas joining on a two-way deal. Ducas, a Western Australia native, has made a name for himself during his college career at St. Mary’s, and fans will be keen to see how he performs in this matchup.
New Zealand Breakers Roster 2024
The Breakers’ roster for the 2024 season is a mix of young talent and experienced players, creating a dynamic team ready to take on the challenges of the NBA pre-season. Here’s a look at the roster:
- Alex McNaught (Guard, 22, 6’1")
- Parker Jackson Cartwright (Guard, 29, 5’11")
- Mojave King (Guard, 22, 6’5")
- Mitch McCarron (Guard, 32, 6’2")
- Kaia Isaac (Guard, 20, 6’1")
- Matthew Mooney (Guard, 28, 6’3")
- Max Darling (Forward, 24, 6’6")
- Karim Lopez (Forward, 17, 6’8")
- Carlin Davison (Forward, 21, 6’5")
- Jonah Bolden (Forward, 29, 6’10")
- Sean Bairstow (Forward, 24, 6’8")
- Dane Pineau (Center, 30, 6’9")
- Sam Mennenga (Center, 23, 6’9")
- Tacko Fall (Center, 28, 7’5")
- Freddie Gillespie (Center, 27, 6’9")
With a roster that includes the towering presence of Tacko Fall and a mix of emerging stars and seasoned veterans, the Breakers are poised to make a statement during their pre-season tour. Fans can look forward to an exciting week of basketball as the Breakers take on the best of the NBA.