Basketball: NBL semis hopefuls caught by courts

Of the four teams in the National Basketball League playoffs, only Nelson will have the advantage of their usual home court if they get to host the first semifinal on July 1.

Auckland and Hawkes Bay, who meet at the ASB Stadium tonight and are likely to host the two semis next weekend, and Wellington, who could win a home playoff if results go their way, cannot get their usual venues because of earlier bookings.

The Stars may shift to the North Shore Events Centre, the Saints are considering the Walter Nash Stadium in Lower Hutt should they secure a home semi but that venue is not favoured by TV, and the Hawks would have to move out of town.

For the final on July 8 Auckland again has trouble at the ASB Stadium because of a previous booking.