New Zealand NBL Prediction: Nelson Giants vs Manawatu Jets (17-06-2026)

Nelson Giants and Manawatu Jets meet for the first time this season in a matchup featuring two teams that have struggled at opposite ends of the floor.

While previous meetings between these sides have often produced high-scoring games, this year’s numbers suggest a different picture.

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Nelson Giants have averaged just 83.8 points per game this NBL season, making them one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league.

Their offensive struggles have been a recurring theme throughout the campaign, and they currently rank at the bottom of the league in shooting efficiency.

Manawatu Jets score more freely, averaging 92.2 points per game, but their games are not always played at the fastest pace.

Both teams rank below the NBL league average in field-goal attempts, which often results in longer possessions and fewer total scoring opportunities.

Defensively, neither side has been particularly reliable, but the offensive profile of Nelson remains difficult to ignore.

Nelson have struggled offensively for most of the season, which is one of the main reasons this total looks slightly too high.

If both teams play at their usual pace, reaching 184 points may prove more difficult than the market suggests.