Sturt Sabres (6-5, 4th) v North Adelaide Rockets (6-5, 5th)
Saturday June 29, 8.15pm at Pasadena

Whether or not either or both sides make finals, this match could have a huge bearing on the destinies of Sturt and North Adelaide.

Following their sixth win this year and fifth in six matches, the Sabres have jumped to fourth on the ladder – their highest rank this season.

The Rockets have conquered the same number of opponents and are currently fifth, but would have been disappointed with the fourth quarter fadeout that resulted in their first away loss to Woodville since 2006 last week.

The winner of this match will stay in the five for now; the loser will drop out to the winner of Southern v Centrals.

Last time they met, the Rockets scored a season best 98 points in a nine point victory. Pero Vasilijevic had 26 points and 13 rebounds for the Rockets, while Joseph Campbell’s 17 points led a further five double digit scorers. Sam Daly and Matthew Dougherty combined for 41 points for the Sabres, who were without centre John Marriott.

The Sabres’ improvement since their last date with the Rockets has been tremendous and they should ride their momentum to another victory.

Woodville Warriors (9-2, 2nd) v Norwood Flames (5-6, 8th)
Saturday June 29, 8.15pm at St Clair

There is a sense of irony ahead of Woodville’s Round 13 home clash with Norwood.

The Warriors are sitting pretty with a 9-2 record, and are near certainties to play in their first finals series since 2005. The Flames are struggling in eighth at 5-6, and unless they start reversing their results, will be out of the finals picture for the first time since 2005.

However, the Flames should remain upbeat as they have not lost on a trip to Woodville since... 2005!

Will each club continue on their new paths or revert back to their old ones? This match could tell the tale.

In Round 4, the Warriors ended a 12 game total losing streak to the Flames by winning 90-74. Edward Millard (16 points) and Andrew Webber (15 points) were Norwood’s top scorers.

Aaron Wyatt scored 33 for the Warriors and Cameron Wilson had 19, although Darren Ng was held to 15. After a slow start to the year, Ng has erupted for 111 points (including 21 treys) over the last four weeks.

With Ng on fire, Warriors fans should finally be able to celebrate a home win over their rivals from Mars.

Forestville Eagles (7-4, 3rd) v South Adelaide Panthers (1-10, 9th)
Saturday June 29, 8.15pm at Wayville

After their biggest week of 2013, Forestville will be keen to avoid complacency ahead of its match with South Adelaide.

With Australian Boomer Adam Gibson making his Forestville debut, and former Cairns Taipan Kane Oakley suiting up for the first time since 2008, the Eagles came away with the biggest league-wide win of 2013, 104-63 over Centrals – whom they lost to in Round 5!

Up until now, the Eagles have not performed to the same standard as recent seasons. However, their moves in the free agent market have signalled a win-now at all costs mentality, as they pursue a three-peat.

The Panthers had shown some improvement in recent weeks, but were slow out of the blocks against Sturt last week, suffering their 22nd loss in 23 games.

Last time they met, Jake Rios led the Eagles with 23 points as they defeated the Panthers 88-70. Shane Boal scored 23 for South, while Thomas McKenzie and Jordan Robertson each had double-doubles.

The Eagles should win comfortably.

Eastern Mavericks (0-11, 10th) v West Adelaide Bearcats (9-2, 1st)
Sunday June 30, 3.00pm at Adelaide Hills

With Woodville rising and Forestville recruiting, the ’Cats will need a win over the improving Mavs if they intend to hold on to the Minor Premiership.

Against Forestville, the Bearcats proved they can beat good opposition even without star players Daniel Johnson and Jason Cadee. However, against Southern, they also showed they can lose, indicating just how important their 36ers duo is.

After running Woodville close for three quarters, the Mavericks backed up with another good performance, losing by single figures for the first time this season, 85-91 to Norwood. It was a great effort given the Mavericks lost their previous meeting with the Flames by 24.

In Round 3, the Cadee-less Bearcats overcame the Mavericks 79-55. Johnson had 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Tristan Braithwaite and Zane Reeves combined for 30 points. Shane Breheny scored 16 for the Mavericks while Curtis Scipio attacked for 12 points.

The Bearcats have not been convincing on the road even with Cadee and Johnson, so if ever a winless team could beat the top team, then maybe 30/06/13 is the date for it. However, the Bearcats have plenty to play for and should prevent two straight losses.

Southern Tigers (6-5, 6th) v Central District Lions (6-5, 7th)
Sunday June 30, 3.00pm at Morphett Vale

Never in recent seasons has a Southern v Centrals match been so important for both teams.

Neither club has made the finals in the past eight campaigns. However, with only percentage separating them from fourth, 2013 could be a history making year for the Tigers and/or Lions.

The Tigers just caused the upset of the season, downing premiership favourites West 67-61. Prior to last Saturday, no team had come within 20 points of the Bearcats at Port Adelaide.

The Lions had the daunting task of being the first club to face Forestville’s Adam Gibson and Kane Oakley, and the game was over before it had barely begun. The Lions have won just two of seven.

In Round 3, the rested Lions were able to overcome the tired Tigers 81-67. Unlike the Lions, the Tigers had to play the previous night, and were outscored 17-25 in the final period.

Kyle Miller and Christopher Clausen combined for 48 points. The Lions also did a great job shutting down Samuel McDaniel (10 points) and Codey Ellison (8 points), while Samuel Johns needed 21 shots for his 19 points.

The Tigers are the ones building the momentum right now and are on the verge of winning three straight for the first time since Rounds 2-4, 2008.