How to watch & talking points: Tasmania v New Zealand

01 Feb 2026

tasmania jackjumpers

new zealand breakers

The Tasmania JackJumpers and New Zealand Breakers clash in a must-win battle for both side’s post-season chances.

Tasmania JackJumpers (6th) v New Zealand Breakers (7th)
Sunday, February 1, 2.30pm AEDT
MyState Bank Arena

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Talking points

All eyes on sixth
Sunday looms as the pivotal game for both Tasmania and New Zealand's post-season chances.

The hosts at the MyState Bank Arena fixture currently hold a one-game lead for sixth-spot but a win by Petteri Koponen's side would see them leapfrog Tasmania into the final post-season spot, with just three rounds remaining.

Adding another element to the clash are both side's mounting injury tolls, meaning both coaches will be counting on their depth to step up on Sunday.

Lopez stars
Friday's 97-95 win against Melbourne United for NBL Next Star Karim Lopez was one to remember and could prove pivotal in his NBA Draft stock.

The Mexican 18-year-old scored a career-high 32 points (which equals LaMelo Ball's Next Stars record), along with 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal.

Of note, after Melbourne led by eight with five minutes to play, Lopez took control and powered the Breakers to a 14-2 run, with all those points courtesy of the teenage star.

What they're saying

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth on his team's mentality:
“We don't make any excuses, and this situation is no different.

“Nothing's ever been given to us in our five years of existence.

“We have to go earn it and take it if we can and that's what we'll try to do again on Sunday.”

Breakers coach Peteri Koponen on the team that awaits his team on Sunday:
“There are no excuses on Sunday for us because Tassie is coming back from Cairns, but it's one of those games where we will find out how mentally tough we are.

“The biggest message tonight was that we still believe we have enough quality and talent [to make the post-season], and they showed that tonight by playing a really good game.”