The CLS Knights Indonesia are hoping to start a last-ditch effort to qualify for the final spot in the ABL playoffs. For the rookie team, there’s no better way to start their late rally than by beating the Saigon Heat, the team they’re chasing for the sixth spot.
The Knights scored their first back-to-back wins of the season a couple of weeks ago against Formosa and Westports Malaysia but they need to start scoring wins against the teams above them in the standings. This will be their best chance as the Saigon Heat’s already limited rotation takes another big hit as Moses Morgan has been relegated to their injured list.
Morgan, who is averaging 18.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this season won’t play against the Knights as he suffered an injured leg. Saigon replaced him with Tim Waale as their Heritage Import but it’s unlikely that he’ll be able to provide the same impact.
Instead, Maxie Esho and Akeem Scott will have to do even more for Saigon.
Esho had his best game of the season so far against Mono Vampire in their last game with 38 points, 17 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks while Scott has provided the Heat with a steady average of 26.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists per game.
For CLS, Brian Williams and Shane Edwards will surely provide their usual numbers and Heritage Import Keith Jensen has also played solid minutes for the Knights. But as always, they need their locals to show up. They definitely have the potential to shine and their contributions are greatly needed at this stage of the elimination round.
