Can The Breakers Make It 3 In A Row?

The New Zealand Breakers kick off their 2012/13 NBL season tonight when they take on the Perth Wildcats, the same team that they beat 2-1 in last seasons finals series to clinch their second consecutive title. Can they make it three in a row though?
Of course they can, they have the depth and the skill within their side to claim their third championship in a row, but I have a feeling that certain other teams in the NBL are gana have something to say about this, especially the side they come up against tonight.
We narrowly escaped defeat in last seasons epic game 3 decider in Auckland, downing the Perth Wildcats 79-73, and if we allow sides to get under our skin and fight their way back into the game then they will punish us.

No Gary Wilkinson:

The Breakers influential centre has left the side for the 2012/13 season, as it was probable that if he stayed, he would be benched in favour of Alex Pledger, one of the tallest players in the league. His absence will not only reduce the number of on court brawls, one of Wilkinson's trademarks, but he provided the Breakers core strength in the post, punishing sides when he got the ball down low, and often grabbing the offensive rebounds to continuously put points on the board, and ensuring we got the defensive boards to keep our side out of trouble. While Pledger will offer no less commitment down low, Wilkinson's confidence, knowledge and experience will be greatly missed as the Breakers again look to defend their NBL title.

Three Who Need Another Big Season:

CJ Bruton

Thomas Abercrombie:

Cedric Jackson:

So the New Zealand Breakers can easily make it three titles in a row, but the team can't afford to think that. They must know that every other team in this league is chasing them. They don't want to see the Breakers get 3 in a row, and there are teams who are capable of stopping them. They must again rely on their big three in Bruton, Abercrombie and Jackson to step up and lead this team. Alex Pledger needs a massive season also as he will be filling the boots of Gary Wilkinson, and if he get himself free down low then that will make the job easier for the likes of Bruton and Jackson who will feed him all day and look to him to put away easy buckets.
The Breakers open up their title defense tonight against last seasons runners up and this will be no easy feat. The Wildcats are looking for revenge and will take it to the Breakers with everything they've got.

Breakers vs Wildcats Sky Sport 2 7:30pm