It’s a big weekend in the British Basketball League Trophy for the Giants as they prepare for three important clashes at the NBPC.

The men will be hoping that a home-court advantage can turn their fortunes around as they head into two must-win games to have any chance of making it to the British Basketball League Finals.

Standing in their way is London Lions who will make the journey north from the capital on Friday, and then two days later, Bristol Flyers are in town, forming the first part of a thrilling double-header in Manchester.

The Giants Women will look to progress further in the Betty Codona Trophy as they prepare to welcome Nottingham Wildcats to the NBPC, following the conclusion of the men’s fixture against the Flyers.

Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.

Men

Current form

It’s been a difficult start for the Giants in the British Basketball League Trophy, with two defeats from their opening two games.

Coach Semonian’s men were beaten 92-78 by Newcastle Eagles at the Vertu Motors Arena last Friday before another tough away trip to the Morningside Arena on Wednesday night saw the Leicester Riders run out a 104-88 scoreline, and now he’ll be hoping that a loud home crowd can drive to Giants on to two crucial victories.

Their first opponents, London Lions, have been in imperious form since the British Basketball League Trophy started, winning all two of their games so far, standing them in good stead to progress to the Utilita Arena in over two weeks.

On Sunday, it’s the turn of Bristol Flyers who also succumbed to defeat in their opening British Basketball League Trophy fixture, losing 95-74 away to Leicester Riders.

It’s do or die for the Giants, as only two wins from their remaining two fixtures will give them of chance of making it through to the Finals weekend.

‍How to watch the games live

Friday's British Basketball League Trophy fixture at the National Basketball Performance Centre has a tip-off time of 7:45pm and will be broadcast live on YouTube.

The direct link to the game is here, or watch below:

Sunday’s British Basketball League Trophy fixture at the National Basketball Performance Centre has a tip-off time of 3pm and will be broadcast live on YouTube.

The direct link to the game is here, or watch below:

‍Ticket information: London Lions & Bristol Flyers (H)

Joining us on Friday, Sunday or for both fixtures? Match tickets, available to buy online or on the door, are priced as follows:

• Adults: £18 (rising to £22 on the door)
• Concessions: £15 (rising to £19)
• Child: £12 (rising to £15)
• Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £45 (rising to £50)
• Disabled: £15 (rising to £20)
• Carer: One free carer permitted with each disabled ticket purchased

PLEASE NOTE: There will be a slight increase in price for tickets bought on the door, as shown above.

Hospitality is available for Sunday’s clash against Bristol Flyers, with the lounge opening at 1pm. You can upgrade your game ticket to include access to our hospitality lounge and lunch for just £25.

Tickets to Sunday’s game will also grant you access to the Giants Women’s fixture at 6pm.

Women

Current form

The Giants made a winning start to 2024 as they progressed into the next round of the Betty Codona Trophy with an 82-68 victory away at Cardiff Met Archers.

Coach Marg Jones will be delighted with the way her side returned from the Christmas break, especially after they ended 2023 with two defeats on the bounce, but a change in competitions may just be the tonic the Giants Women are looking for to kick their season on even further.

Standing in their way is Nottingham Wildcats, the beneficiaries of one of those wins against the Giants at the back end of the calendar year, and they will be full of confidence after claiming a 79-74 overtime win against Newcastle Eagles in their opening fixture in the Trophy.

How to watch the game live

Sunday’s Betty Codona Trophy fixture at the National Basketball Performance Centre has a tip-off time of 6pm and will be broadcast live on YouTube.

The direct link to the game is here, or watch below:

‍Ticket information: Nottingham Wildcats (H)

Tickets for the Giants Women’s can be purchased online as part of a double-header package which also includes the men’s clash against Bristol Flyers.

Giants fans can purchase a ticket for the men’s fixture which will grant access to the women’s fixture later on.