BBL CUP 20/21 Week 2 Predictions

OK, last week there was only one competitive match, as Bristol have had 4 positive COVID-19 Cases so their games have been postponed so will be unable to play games or train for two weeks. At the point of writing this (Thursday night) all games so far are ok to go ahead.

LONDON LIONS V SHEFFIELD SHARKS

This ones an interesting one, and in fact the best game of the weekend in my eyes. With the comments from Kevin Ware about the Sharks being trash and Nicholas Lewis being the only piece they've got, the rest of the Sharks roster will definitely feel like they have a point to prove, and so will the whole Lions roster after getting blown out in pre-season v the Sheffield Sharks and losing on opening night in overtime to the Newcastle Eagles, the London Lions are yet to live up to the hype.

Personally, I still believe London will take the W, in short bursts the Lions looked like a very good side, if they can play like that for a whole 40 mins then they take the win tomorrow night, however if they don't , Sheffield will capitalize on that and take their first win in the BBL campaign. Another factor for the lions is the health of Justin Robinson who was supposedly nursing a back injury last week, so he was coming off the bench, but those short bright bursts from the lions came when Robinson was on the floor. If the Lions can keep Justin healthy then i think they win the game.

Although we cannot write off this Sheffield Sharks side who in pre - season are yet to lose, beating all the top dogs (London, Leicester , Newcastle and Bristol) having veteran guard Callum Jones will help ,massively providing experience to the second unit for the Sharks. Kipper Nichols is the guy to watch for me on that Sheffield side after hitting 20pts multiple times and hitting a clutch 3 point against the Riders to win the game.

Overall, I've got the Lions winning it but it will not be an easy ride.

MANCHESTER GIANTS V CHESHIRE PHOENIX

What a game to start off with for both sides of the M62. Both teams have had a limited pre - season , but with Cheshire playing two pre - season games, regardless of the score lines, the match fitness will definitely play into their favour.

Regardless I think its going to be a tight one and will be all season long. I think the battle of the bigs will be a very interesting one with Breaon Brady and Eric Hamilton

Breaon Brady - https://twitter.com/TomFChallenger/status/1324352754404499456?s=20

[Tom Fletcher - Manchester Giants Analyst]

I do think Cheshire will take game 1 in the cup of this rivalry, however i think the Giants have the better roster but as Cheshire have already played games together, they will be fitter and will have chemistry going for them. The Matchup of Lyle Hexom and Jalen Hayes will be a good one as well. Two very talented players and Jalen Hayes has grown used to the BBL, as they are both similar heights so will most likely going directly against each other.

Giants and Phoenix fans, watch out for that match up. Didn't think I'd ever put you guys in the same sentence.

LEICESTER RIDERS V NEWCASTLE EAGLES

Two most successful teams in the history of the BBL going right at each other, i think this one speaks for itself. Rahmon Fletcher v Geno Crandall, that's a battle. That i think Leicester will win, after that huge blowout v Cheshire , although phoenix weren't exactly playing great basketball, Leicester will be oozing with confidence and will want to show why they are the BBL Champions, also this is Newcastle's trophy as well so the pressure will be on to take it back after letting Worcester take it, pressures on. I think the depth of the Leicester Riders , the defensive intensity from the whole side especially fan favourites Connor Washington and Jamell Anderson, I think the Riders take this one.

Newcastle will also be full of confidence after taking the win in overtime against the London Lions but if the Riders can limit the amount of open jumpers that Newcastle can create, Riders win the game.