The CLS Knights Indonesia hope to remain in playoff contention as they visit the Saigon Heat on Saturday at the CIS Arena in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Knights have lost four straight games and are currently eighth in the standings with a 3-12 card. One more loss would mean that they would have to formally say goodbye to their playoff hopes.
Helping the Knights’ cause is the ever-reliable big man Brian Williams. For the season, he is averaging 16.0 points and 14.6 rebounds. Williams has been one of the bright spots for the Knights despite their disappointing season.
The Knights have a tall task ahead of them as the Saigon Heat are likewise hoping to barge into the postseason. Currently at sixth place with a 7-8 record, the Heat are still behind Chong Son Kung Fu and Singapore Slingers.
The Heat are coming off a very disappointing 94-76 loss at the hands of the Slingers. They played without Moses Morgan who was sidelined with a leg injury. Against CLS, the Heat have recently activated Morgan from the Injured List.
Before getting injured, Morgan had been playing his best basketball this season with averages of 18.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, while knocking down 3 triples per contest. When he returns after his leg injury, it will be interesting to see if he’s back to 100 percent.
The last time the Knights and the Heat faced was just a little over two weeks ago with Maxie Esho leading the way for Saigon. The quick-footed center raced to 27 points and 11 rebounds to help his team earn the victory.
Their second meeting will be much different with playoff berths on the line. Can the Knights stay alive in the playoff chase or will the Heat gain ground for the coveted fourth spot?
