Preview: NBL24 Round 2 v NZ Breakers at Spark Arena

The Brisbane Bullets have the chance to keep the momentum going after a strong start to NBL24 with a Round 2 double-header starting with a road clash with the New Zealand Breakers.

While the start to the game last Friday night for the Bullets wasn’t quite ideal conceding the first 15 points to the Adelaide 36ers, there was plenty to like from there as they outscored the Sixers 86 to 56 the rest of the way for the 86-71 victory.

Now on the back of that, the Bullets have a double-header to prepare for in Round 2 of the 2023/24 NBL season with the Breakers first up at Spark Arena on Thursday before coming home for the Sunshine Stoush against the Cairns Taipans on Saturday night.

Brisbane Bullets Hostplus Head Coach Justin Schueller is embracing the firsts in his first season in charge and is looking forward to the opening road game of NBL24, and to the challenge of taking on the Breakers on their home floor.

"This is our first road game and we celebrate the first of anything. We know what it takes to go into an arena and be in the pressure and fire straightaway, and have our habits in place right off the bat," Schueller said.

"This is where I love the challenge, we didn’t start well on our home floor but can we go away and actually put ourselves in a position for success straight away. It's going to take four quarters against them, we know that and are definitely looking forward to the challenge.

"We know New Zealand are going to be a pressure side, similar to us, so our execution is absolutely at the forefront of what we want to do, but right now at this stage of the year it's about what we need to do to continue to get better.

"While we got the win on the weekend, there was so much improvement still to be had so that's been the focus this week, how can we continue to take steps forward."

Speaking of firsts, it's also the first double-header of the season in Round 2 for the Bullets and depth has been something Schueller wanted to be one of Brisbane's strengths.

That's why he has faith in his squad even with DJ Mitchell, Josh Bannan and Gabe Hadley at least missing the game with the Breakers.

"What we love about our team that we've put together is that it's not just about our starters, it's also our bench that are just as important and our depth is always going to be a point of difference for us," Schueller said.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do on this double weekend now and depth is going to be thing that separates us I hope."

Bullets point guard Shannon Scott was part of some fascinating battles last season with the Breakers at the Cairns Taipans last season with both teams finishing on the top four, and he's looking forward to the challenge on Thursday.

"It's a difficult trip, but we have to go there and be focused, and understand the different time zone, weather and all that but we'll be ready to go," Scott said.

"I will just continue to do what's best for the team and whatever they need me to do, and the biggest thing for us is that we have so many guys who can do a lot of things on the court.

"So for me it's about identifying our mismatches, know who can do what with the ball and when they can get the ball, and try to go from there."

Scott will then look forward to facing his former team for the first time on Saturday night with the Bullets hosting the Snakes at Nissan Arena.

"Honestly I forgot it's coming up so fast, the season once it gets going it gets going, but it's going to be good to see the guys again," Scott said.

"There's a lot of former teammates and coaches there, but you really do have to take it one game at a time. If I try to look forward to Cairns too much, then the Breakers will beat us too easily so I just have to focus on that first and then take it from there."

GAME INFO

Who: Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand Breakers

Tip off: 4:30pm (AEST), Thursday 5 October, 2023

Where: Spark Arena, Auckland

Watch: ESPN via Foxtel and Kayo