Basketball: Breakers prepare for greatest rivals

Alex Pledger in action against the Perth Wildcats. Photosport

The ANBL's biggest rivalry goes head to head in Auckland tomorrow when the SkyCity Breakers host the Perth Wildcats at Spark Arena.

The two clubs have each won four of the past eight NBL Championships and are first and second on the ladder this season, with the Breakers leading after six wins in a row.

Adding to the pressure of the clash is that both teams are on an all-time record of 29 wins each. The Breakers have won 22 of the 30 games played in New Zealand.

Breakers wingman Tom Abercrombie says he is looking forward to the two clubs meeting on court.

"There is a different buzz around the place the week we play Perth," he said.

"There is a lot of history there, everyone gets excited by it, coaches, players, fans - it seems everyone is clued up on the history of both teams and the history we have had, and it contributes to an exciting week. Everyone comes in on Monday just that little bit more ready to get things going for the week."

Abercrombie said the fact the two teams hold the top two spots on the ladder adds to the occasion.

"That adds another layer of intrigue to it," he said.

With the schedule bringing both teams together again in Perth on Sunday, its certain that the back-to-back encounter will be a grudge match for one of the teams.

"A big and passionate crowd on Thursday would be huge for us, knowing we have to go and face their fans in Perth on Sunday," said Abercrombie.

Perth will be without Matt Knight, one of the top players for six seasons, after ongoing concussion symptoms forced him to retire from the game.

Breakers forward Mika Vukona sad to hear the news this week.

"Matt has been a true warrior in this league and an opponent to be respected and admired," he said. "We had some great battles ... he has been a huge part of Perth through their recent success and will leave a huge hole for sure."

SkyCity Breakers v Perth Wildcats, by the numbers
All time played 58 games Breakers won 29 Wildcats won 29

All time played in New Zealand: 30 games - Breakers won 22, Wildcats won 8.

All time played at Spark Arena: 9 games played - Breakers won 8, Wildcats won 1.

The Wildcats have not won in Auckland since 13th December 2013.

The Wildcats, along with the Bullets, are the only teams that are yet to win on the road this season.

The Breakers have won their past three games against Perth after winning in overtime in Perth in round six last year. Their best winning streak against the Wildcats formed a 4-0 series sweep in 2015.

The Breakers are currently on a League season-high six-game winning streak.

A win against Perth will give the Breakers an equal club best 7-1 to start a season previously set in 2013.

Coaches head to head: Paul Henare 3 wins Trevor Gleeson 1 win.