Maor plays down Breakers' chances

Mody Maor has played down his side’s chances of emerging with a victory in Wednesday’s Play-In Qualifier against Sydney, stating “people are right to write us off”.

Whoever loses Wednesday’s clash between last season’s Championship Series contenders will be eliminated from title-contention and have their NBL24 campaign brought to a close. 

Sydney won two of the three clashes between the side in the regular season, and the last meeting between the two sides finished with a 29-point win for the Kings.

Maor also stated “we got lucky” when asked about New Zealand’s victory over Sydney earlier this season.

While Maor says that most recent meeting was an exception to the norm, the Kings are obvious favourites.

“I don’t think this is the tale of the tape when these two teams meet. We were on the back end of a back-to-back – a very challenging one – they had an incredible game from their standpoint and shot 60 per cent from three in the first half to break it completely open,” Maor said.

“They showed us some of the things they do and there are things to look at and study and do better, but that game doesn’t dictate anything.

“Sydney are definitely the favourites, they have the higher seed on purpose, it’s no accident. They’ve earned this, they’re the most talented offensive team in the league and they have the talent and opportunity to explode in every game, people are right to write us off.”

Star duo Will McDowell-White and Finn Delany both remain under injury clouds ahead of the upcoming clash, however Delany has said his “health is really good” ahead of the do-or-die clash.

The New Zealand forward missed the Breakers’ final game of the regular season with a back injury, while McDowell-White suffered a shoulder injury in the defeat to Adelaide.

“Will’s OK. It’s hard to say 100 per cent, but we’ll know soon.” Maor said.

“I’m not a doctor.”

“This little FIBA break has been really good for me, and I had a really good week of work,” Delany said.

“I just had a little problem with my back. Obviously I’ve been up and down this season with too much time on the sidelines which I hate, but it’s part of the sport.”

New Zealand’s clash with Sydney will tip off at 7:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo, and Sky Sport in NZ.