Basketball: Coach bemoans early season form

The Breakers have lost all three games this season against quarterfinal opponent Cairns. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand Breakers are back in Auckland today after the loss to the Wildcats with preparations in full swing for Thursday's sudden death playoff against the Taipans in Cairns.

The Breakers will travel to Cairns on Wednesday after losing their opportunity to host the game when they went down in Perth, 98-85, on Saturday night.

Coach Andrej Lemanis said it was results earlier in the season which cost the team a home playoff spot, with a home loss against West Sydney and three losses in a row on the road proving costly.

He said the team needs to take care of some of the easier games and more consistency will be required if the Breakers are to claim a home playoff in the next NBL season.

As for Thursday's clash, Lemanis said the team has nothing to lose against a side that has beaten them in all three games this season.

He said the team can now play with a sense of freedom.

QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

Feb 20: Townsville (5th) v Gold Coast Blaze (8th) at Townsville Entertainment Centre

Feb 21: Cairns Taipans (6th) v New Zealand Breakers (7th) at Cairns Convention Centre

Feb 22: Perth (4th) v winner of 5th v 8th at Challenge Stadium, Perth

Feb 23: Brisbane Bullets (3rd) v winner of 6th v 7th at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

- NEWSTALK ZB