With the all-star break over the Surrey Scorchers return to action with a double-header in the north of England. Their first stop is in Manchester, where they take on the Giants as the BBL season enters its final month.
Surrey will be looking to bounce back from their defeat at the hands of the Sheffield Sharks back on 7th March. Despite that set back, they are still well placed to secure a spot in this season's play-offs for the first time since 2017/18.
By contrast the Giants are enduring a tough season and come into this game off the back of seven consecutive losses in all competitions, with their last win coming on 29th December. Their most recent outing was a 109-77 reverse against against the Newcastle Eagles.
They currently occupy 9th place in the BBL table with a 7-22 record. One of those wins came against the Scorchers on their last visit to Manchester at the start of December and they will be keen to end their losing streak in front of their home fans.
Giants fan Laura Helsby kindly agreed to answer some questions ahead of Thursday night's game.
Q: Firstly, what's your assessment of the Giants this season? Recent results have been rough, is there anything in particular you put this down to?
A: I think the Giants this season are below what we expect as a fanbase, but no one knows that more than the players and coaching staff. No one puts more pressure on the team than the team itself. We lost a few big players in the off-season, Rahmon Fletcher and Tajh Green etc. Add to that a new coach and coaching staff with him, it was never going to be an easy ride.
Q: Further to that, would you like to see the team do during the off season to try and move in the right direction?
A: The biggest thing, is obviously really, the ownership. As a club we need stability and more investment, this only comes with new ownership, as long as we're owned by the league we'll be in the predicament we're in now.
Q: With regards to tomorrow’s game, who on the Giants team should Surrey fans be wary of?
A: Surrey have to watch out for William Lee, he's probably our biggest offensive weapon. Big and strong, but fast too, he'll be a problem. Also when Evan Walshe comes off the bench, watch out, man's got speed!
Q: What do you make of the Scorchers this season and where do you think this game will be decided?
A: Surrey have done well! Outplayed us by 5 or so games, a very entertaining side to watch and I reckon you might have the upper hand in this match up!
I think we'll have a strong 1st quarter, come out fast, but our pace over the game will lag and the 3rd will be where the winner will take control.
Q: Finally, if you could take one player off another BBL roster and add them to the Giants, who would it be?
A: I think I'd pick Aaryn Rai, dude is a BALLER.
Thanks again to Laura, who is a very talented artist and illustrator, who has produced gameday graphics for the Giants this season. We would encourage you to check out their work on X @illaurastrates.
Tip off at the National Basketball Centre is at 19:45 and you can follow the action live on the BBL's YouTube channel.
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