South Adelaide Panthers v North Adelaide Rockets
Saturday April 6, 8.15pm at Marion

The South Adelaide Panthers will be trying to end a 12 game losing streak when they host the North Adelaide Rockets.

With the likes of Damian Scanlon (18.9 ppg), Kyle Howe-Tipene (9.1 ppg) and Patrick Mattson (25.2 ppg) heading in new directions, the Panthers will have a difficult task shutting down a Rockets side that is proud to again have 36er Pero Vasilijevic (18.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg and 4 apg in 2012) on board.

Jordan Robertson (15.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg) is the key player for the Panthers, who were swept by the Panthers in their 2012 series.

This should be a comfortable win for the Rockets, though Round 1 is known for throwing up surprises.


Norwood Flames v Southern Tigers
Saturday April 6, 8.15pm at Mars

Following a solid preseason hit-out, which included a victory over their Round 1 opponents, the Southern Tigers will be hoping to finally break their regular season duck against 2012 Preliminary Finalists, the Norwood Flames.

The Tigers, now coached by Norwood nemesis Rashad Tucker, have not beaten the Flames in a competitive match since April 6, 2008. The Flames’ run of victories against the yellow and black includes an 83-82 win at Mars in Round 3 last year, despite trailing by 10 with a little over two minutes remaining.

However, Todd Matthews (11.7 ppg) will not be around to hit a game-winning three this time.

Look for the Tigers to control the tempo and get a first-up win.


Sturt Sabres v Central District Lions
Saturday April 6, 8.15pm at Pasadena

The Sturt Sabres and Central District Lions will put their new look line-ups to the test at Pasadena on Saturday, following a summer of transition.

Only 4/9 players who hit the court in the Sabres’ heartbreaking Grand Final loss to Forestville will suit up on Saturday. Woollacott Medallist Tom Daly (17.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 7.5 apg), All Star Five member Tim Klaosen (14.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and former 36ers star Darren Ng (18.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.1 apg) are amongst the departed.

On the other hand, the Lions have made some big scalps, with Chris Clausen returning from the US and Matthew Atkins coming out of retirement, which should take some pressure off All Star Five member Kyle Miller (22.9 ppg). The Lions have not won a Round 1 match since 2007, and have a dismal record against the Sabres.

With stronger offensive potency, it should be the Lions roaring after 40 minutes.


West Adelaide Bearcats v Forestville Eagles
Saturday April 6, 8.15pm at Port Adelaide

At Port Adelaide, fans could be looking at a potential Grand Final preview, with big-name recruiters West Adelaide and 2012 premiers Forestville on show.

Not wanting a repeat of yesteryear, where they were eliminated in the Elimination Final, the Bearcats have sent a win-now message to the rest of the competition by signing 36ers starters Jason Cadee and Daniel Johnson.

The Eagles have lost key players in Rashad Tucker, Brad Sullivan and Majok Deng, who averaged 35 points between them in 2012, but still have one of the most talented teams in the competition. Adam Doyle (13.3 ppg) continues to improve and should have even more of the ball in his hands this term, while import Jake Rios, who played in Mexico last season, could be one to watch.

Given their NBL commitments, Cadee and Johnson would likely be lacking familiarity with their Bearcats teammates. Expect the Eagles to be a little sharper and that should lead to a close W.


Woodville Warriors v Eastern Mavericks
Saturday April 6, 8.15pm at St Clair

The Eastern Mavericks will be attempting a second straight win over hosts the Woodville Warriors when the two sides clash at St Clair.

The Mavericks won at Woodville 84-81 on July 28 last year, after going 3-26 in their previous 29 games. Unfortunately for them, Ed Millard (Norwood) and Will Smith (coaching) will not combine for 58 points again.

They will, however, have to contend with sharpshooter Darren Ng, who has returned to the Warriors from Sturt.

With Ng, Brine, Steve Pilkington (9.8 ppg), Adam Blight (9.9 ppg) and Cameron Wilson (5.9 ppg) all capable of having a big scoring night, the Warriors should have too much offensive firepower and go 1-0 after Saturday.


By James Woite