Preview » Plymouth Raiders v Bristol Flyers

The summer of 2017 could prove to be a pivotal chapter in the history of the Raiders after a change of ownership has seen a brand new squad, new coach and complete rebrand of the club.

With the addition of some exciting new talent and off-court progress, there is a sense of optimism that Raiders can get back on track and seal a Play-Off place this season.

Over the summer, Raiders brought back fan favourite Gavin Love. After leaving in 2013, this is the Head Coach’s second stint with Plymouth and many believe he has some unfinished business with the club.

Love has ambitions to have Raiders in the top half of the table and back into the Play-offs. Love has his men sitting three games under a .500 record, with impressive wins against Leeds Force and league leaders Newcastle Eagles.

Bristol Flyers opened the season with an 87-75 win over South-West rivals Plymouth Raiders.

Despite a strong start from the Plymouth Raiders last season, the South-West club finished 9th. For a stretch of their campaign Raiders threatened a top four finish.

However, after a run of poor form, Plymouth failed to secure a Play-Off berth for the fourth straight season. Raiders did enjoy a deep run in the Trophy competition, only to lose heavily in the final to Leicester Riders.

Over the off-season, Plymouth Raiders signed a marquee name to their roster, Neil Watson. As a former MVP and BBL champion, Neil Watson provides the basketball talent and on-court leadership that Head Coach Love believes can get Plymouth back to playing competitive basketball.  The 5’11 American point guard jumped ship from Glasgow Rocks, where he averaged 16 points and 4 assists last season.

Watson has proven to be a stellar signing, as he enters Sunday night’s contest averaging 18 points and a whopping 8.1 assists per game.  Plymouth’s offence runs through Watson and Coach K will definitely want to curtail the dangerous guard’s influence on the game.

Plymouth Raiders - LWWL
Bristol Flyers - WLWL

Taking charge of Sunday’s game will be Paul Unsworth, Simon Unsworth and Piotr Florecki.

- Bristol Flyers have won 9 of the last 12 meetings against Plymouth Raiders.

- Bristol Flyers have never met Plymouth Raiders in the BBL Trophy competition.

Friday's game will be available to watch LIVE via the BBL’s official streaming partner, LiveBaketball.TV (subscription) - click here to sign up NOW.