The Sunday BBL Preview: 22nd December 2013
Just two helpings of BBL action today before everyone can settle in front of the fire, and be surrounded by presents, left over turkey, chocolates and mince pie crumbs.
Phoenix @ Wildcats (4:00pm tip-off)
Both sides know the value of victory and tonight’s clash could help to give one team the edge over the other when April and the playoffs come round.
Cheshire Phoenix will be boosted from their stunning final quarter effort last weekend over Manchester Giants on the way to a 100-88 win, but will be determined to have this one settled a lot sooner than the last ten minutes.
They also effectively claimed the head-to-head over the Giants as well with their second win over them this campaign; to have the series over Wildcats could put them in the driving seat for a playoff spot at a brilliant stage of the season – however head coach John Lavery will know that alone is not necessarily enough to progress to the post-season party.
Durham have suffered of late, winning just one of their last six in all competitions, and to lose their final game of 2013, a crucial series, and have to wait a fortnight before being back in action; it could be the nightmare before Christmas for Lee Davie and his men.
Riders @ Raiders (4:00pm tip-off)
What a game to serve up as a Christmas treat to all BBL fans across the country!
These two sides will be meeting up for the third time in little more than three weeks after their coming together in the BBL Cup semi-final, and one would think they will know each other’s strengths and weaknesses down to a tee.
Riders have won their last five games in all competitions (which include two Cup wins over Plymouth), whilst the home side have picked up just three wins in the last eight; worryingly against weaker opposition such as Birmingham and Surrey.
Jay Marriott’s side will have to be at their best to inflict a third league defeat of the season on Rob Paternostro’s Riders, but with the game being live and FREE on BBL TV this afternoon – anything can happen, including a Christmas miracle perhaps?
To get free access to today’s BBL Championship game between Plymouth Raiders and Leicester Riders:
- Go to the BBL player tab (www.bbl.org.uk/bbltv) on our website and select “buy single game”.
- Click on the ‘Register’ tab and enter your email address and enter a password.
- Once you have completed the above you’ll see the price £9.99 listed in the top right hand corner with the words “enter promo code” underneath.
- Click on ‘enter promo code’ and enter the code MerryChristmas.
- Access will then be granted for the game. Please note – the game will only be available from 5 minutes prior to tip on the day of the game.