Super League Basketball playoff season is finally upon us – which teams can conquer their opponents over two legs and book a place in the semi-finals?

Cheshire Phoenix vs Sheffield Sharks

Prediction: Sheffield Sharks

It is a matchup that should not be observed by the faint-hearted. These two franchises know how to put points on the board, but the Sheffield Sharks should possess more firepower.

Finishing the regular season with an impressive 22-10 record, the Sharks fought their way to third in the standings while displaying a slick style of basketball.

With the powerful Donovan Clay and truly brilliant Ricky McGill on the court, Cheshire will need to have their two greatest defensive performances of the season back-to-back.

Clay has been a physical phenomenon in the 2024/25 campaign – averaging 13.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

On the other hand, McGill has showed his scoring and playmaking prowess while tallying 16.4 points and 5.8 assists per game.

There is no doubt that Sheffield are coming into these playoffs as one of the favourites to take home the inaugural Super League Basketball playoff trophy.

London Lions vs Surrey 89ers

Prediction: Surrey 89ers

Despite what the London Lions social media account may have you believe, the franchise will face off against the dangerous Surrey 89ers in their first playoff fixture, and there could be an extraordinary upset on the cards.

It is a bold prediction that very few may agree with (except from Surrey loyalists), however, there is a special aura surrounding this 89ers roster, and they have the potential to go deep into the postseason.

Head coach Lloyd Gardner and his side had a turbulent start to the season – only winning three of their first 10 games, nevertheless, there was a mind-blowing shift in momentum during the year which saw the 89ers finish with a 12-20 record.

Still, this record may seem inferior when heading into battle with the regular season champions, but Surrey have exhibited glimpses of brilliance – collecting the scalps of the Lions, Newcastle Eagles, Sheffield and Manchester Basketball in the second half of the year.

For anyone who may have little interest in the 89ers, pay attention to their formidable front-court duo of Dame Adelekun and Mervin James – who combine for 29.4 points and 15.3 rebounds per game.

London will go into this tie as favourites, yet it could be the side who finished in eighth position who comes up trumps in this one.

Bristol Flyers vs Leicester Riders

Prediction: Leicester Riders

Apologies Flyers fans, there will be no upset in this one. Leicester are a force to be reckoned with and will have a point to prove after narrowly missing out on the regular season championship.

The Riders are a side that are blessed with depth in every position and their bench can decide an opponents fate with difficult matchups.

With a hugely talented roster, and several standout players, it is Charles Thompson who will labelled as they ‘one to watch’ in this fixture.

Thompson is an imposing figure in the ‘battle of the boards’ and can be a defender’s worst nightmare once he has found his rhythm. The 6-foot-8 forward chalks up an impressive 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Bristol will hang their hopes on their deadly point guard, Kedrian Johnson, to lead his side to a shock victory as he finished the campaign with an average points return of 17.4 per game.

In spite of that, the Riders will be confident that they can cement their place into the Super League Basketball playoff semifinals.

Newcastle Eagles vs Manchester Basketball

Prediction: Manchester Basketball

It is a difficult task to not be biased in this matchup, but Manchester Basketball changed the trajectory of the British game when they appointed Herman Mandole as head coach.

In what could be dubbed as the steal of the millennium, Mandole has already implemented an astute game plan that has propelled Manchester into championship contention – winning 10 out of his 14 games in charge since joining from Serie A side Varese.

Manchester Basketball even defeated 90-88 the mighty London Lions at the Copper Box Arena during this new era of ascendancy.

Smooth point guard Makai Ashton-Langford has thrived under his new Argentinian head coach – inflating his numbers to 14.4 points and 6 assists per game.

The Eagles are lucky possess the talented trio of Mike Okauru, Seneca Knight and Trey Pulliam who are pivotal in head coach Marc Steutal’s transition style offense.

Out of all the quarterfinal fixtures, this will be the most riveting. Fans can expect a guaranteed slugfest and plenty of points to be registered on the scoreboard.