North Adelaide Rockets v Eastern Mavericks Sat, Mar 20, 8:15pm at Hillcrest
North's victory over Southern was not as comfortable as the margin suggests, with scores tied less than a minute from 3/4 time. The Rockets then went on a 30-15 run to end the game, making Michael Zorich's return to the Rockets a succesful one. Zorch netted himself 18 points at 50% and and big improver Matt Lycett almost tripled his career best with 17. Still yet to add Luke Mapunda and Ryan Kersten to its lineup, North will be one of the quicker teams in the league. 36er Brad Hill rejoins the Mavericks this week though may not suit due to injury, and Jordan Dodman will be better for having played his first legitimate basketball game in years. Eastern were unable to match West last week and depending on Hill's involvement, may not find North any easier.

West Adelaide Bearcats v Forestville Eagles Sat, Mar 20, 8:15pm at Port Adelaide
West and Forestville were not seriously tested last week, and the high expectations on both squads make this a clear-cut game-of-the-round. Brad Davidson is likely to play more minutes in tougher games such as this one, and with its depth at the guard position and the frontcourt strength of Chris Molitor and Blake Truslove, West don’t have an obvious weakness. Forestville’s Riley Luettgerodt had a staggering 33 on debut in the league’s first round of 40 minute men’s games and it will be interesting to see how he performs against West’s stronger front line.

Woodville Warriors v Central Districts Lions Sat, Mar 20, 8:15pm at St. Clair
Brady Brink was more than serviceable in his Central ABL debut, his 20 points coming mainly from inside the key. Cameron Wilson had an unusually down game and if he returns to the form of previous years and Josh Knight can repeat last year’s performances, Woodville will be tougher than in the past. Centrals’ young centre Dan Carlin returned early from the AIS and will suit in this game, as will Wade Pidock, who was well held in his first game in Australia. Games involving these teams are always hard-fought and this one should be no exception.

Norwood Flames v South Adelaide Panthers Sat, Mar 20, 8:15pm at Mars
Norwood brushed off rumours of a slide back to the pack last week, leaving fans wondering how much they will improve when they add David Cooper, Keith Krause, Dan Thompson later in the season. Corey Ottey is a substitute 5 man though Rupert Sapwell will be innovative offensively and defensively with a smaller group. South were legitimate contenders against Sturt last week and it was only the typically freakish shooting from Darren Ng that made the difference. Sammy Gazzo is a great find for South, his 25 points including many strong finishes inside the key. Look out for 6’10” Jimmy Fanning in his CABL debut.

Sturt Sabres v Southern Tigers Sat, Mar 20, 8:15pm at Pasadena
Darren Ng was the difference for Sturt against South, and he’ll provide great leadership against a largely junior Sabre unit. Fresh from the Under 20 Nationals, Tom Daly had 15 point and an impressive 10 rebounds, and Corey Maynard, John Marriott and Jan Warbout should also see plenty of minutes this season. Southern were in the hunt against North until three quarter time, and ex-Sabre Mark Paget will help offset the loss of Brad Bungey. Southern’s sub 50% free throw shooting didn’t hurt last week but in a closer game it could.