Lemanis is also aware of what injuries can do to a roster and to momentum, dismissing concerns within his own side when compared to others who are struggling to find 9 players to suit up each week.

“We have a few niggles at the moment but certainly nothing more than anyone else is going through. Guys like CJ, Gary and Kevin are all managing minor injuries and getting themselves to the point where they can play each week, even if not at full capacity.”

Lemanis says covering these sorts of injuries and being able to rotate his roster is one of the keys to the team’s success so far this season.

“That is the beauty of this team and our recruitment and development programme in recent years, we have good depth. Everyone plays with different combinations so they are used to a different guy being on court next to them at any given time.”

Lemanis dismisses any talk of the 36ers being ‘easy beats’ on Thursday night, pointing out the two tough games they have given the Breakers already this season, although he does admit his side was slow out of the blocks against Cairns last week.

“We play each game on its own merits and put in place a plan to win depending on the situation, the opposition and where we are at. Player management and welfare comes into this over the course of a season as to how we get through, we take the physio’s advice on injuries and listen to players. We were mentally flat last week though and struggled in practice but on game night I thought we soon got over a slow start and by the middle of the second quarter we were playing some good basketball against a very good team in Cairns. It was certainly a good game, a good atmosphere and in the end a good performance by our guys, I’m sure the crowd went home pleased with what they had seen.”

Lemanis also dismisses talk his side might become over confident given their position on the ladder.

“This group is wise enough and old enough to not get complacent in preparation for any team. You only have to look around the league to see how competitive it is and see that anyone can beat anyone if you are slightly off your game. Training with this group is very competitive so no, complacency is not an issue with this team. Equally though we don’t get too high o the wins or too low on the losses. We have stayed very level headed throughout the season and will continue to do so. Just as we don’t let our own performances affect us and how we do things, we don’t let the records of our opposition affect the way we approach them on game night.”

Lemanis does admit to the crowd playing a huge part though, saying they can lift his team in tight situations at home and says they are learning how to do that with each game.

“Big home crowds certainly have an influence on our games. They enjoy their basketball but are increasingly learning how to participate, to know when to shout and get behind the team and when to give the players a lift. That is a learning process though but one they are going through and becoming better at each week. The players talk about their influence in the locker room and at training and love the atmosphere at home for sure.”

And another big crowd is expected on Thursday night, with sales pointing towards another big attendance, if not another full house following last week’s sell out. Tickets can be purchased online at www.nzbreakers.co.nz

It's  Beach theme s come dressed the part! A few higlights inlclude:

• Special guest New York Yankee, Curtis Granderson wil be attending
• ZM Whippy outside the main entrance from 6pm-7pm
• Kids are invited to join the Pepsi Max Breaker Girls in the South Mezzanine Lobby at 6.45pm to learn a dance routine and perform at half-time