The Leicester Riders return to action on Friday night as they travel to the Capital to face the league-leading London Lions for the second time this season.
The two sides last met on October 2nd at the Copper Box Arena, where the Riders narrowly missed out on victory, falling 71–66 despite a spirited fourth-quarter fightback. That performance demonstrated the determination and potential of this young Leicester side, and they will be looking to build on those positives when they meet the reigning champions once again.
The Riders head into Friday’s contest still searching for their first win of the 2026/27 Championship campaign, following their latest defeat to the Newcastle Eagles at the Mattioli Arena. However, there have been encouraging signs of progress from Coach Paternostro’s new-look roster. With six rookies continuing to adapt to the demands of professional basketball, Leicester’s performances have shown growing promise as the young squad begins to find its rhythm.
Standing in their way is arguably one of the toughest challenges in the league. London currently sit at the summit of the Super League Basketball table with an unbeaten 8–0 record, making Friday night’s trip to the Capital a significant test for the Riders. Leicester will need to produce a complete performance at both ends of the floor if they are to upset the reigning champions on their home court.
London, meanwhile, arrive in formidable form. Coach Sabonis’ side have enjoyed an impressive start to their campaign, recording seven wins from eight games across domestic and European competition throughout October. Their roster combines some of Great Britain’s most exciting basketball talent with high-calibre imports boasting experience in some of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
The Lions will also head into Friday’s fixture following another European outing, having travelled to Italy to face Maxima Roma in the EuroCup on Wednesday night. With quality throughout their roster, London will once again present a formidable challenge for Leicester.
Ones to watch
For the Riders, rookie point guard JJ White continues to show signs of his growing influence at the professional level. The Baylor graduate has been steadily finding his feet in Super League Basketball, with his performances beginning to reflect his potential. White recorded 13 points and seven assists in the recent meeting with Newcastle, taking his season average to 6.1 assists per game, the second-highest mark across the league. His ability to dictate the tempo and create opportunities for his teammates could prove crucial against a talented London backcourt.
Another key figure for Leicester will be American forward Bernard Pelote. Pelote enjoyed one of his strongest performances of the season during the Riders’ last visit to the Copper Box, recording an impressive double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds. His presence on the glass and ability to make an impact offensively will be vital if Leicester are to challenge London’s physicality and disrupt their defensive structure.
For the hosts, British-American guard Tarik Phillip remains one of the Lions’ standout performers. The reigning SLB Defensive Player of the Year has been a consistent presence since returning to the Capital at the start of last season. His defensive intensity, experience and ability to influence proceedings at both ends of the court make him a key player for Coach Sabonis’ side.
Also worth keeping an eye on is Canadian centre Thomas Kennedy. Leading the Lions’ scoring charts with 11.0 points per game, alongside 5.2 rebounds, Kennedy has established himself as an important presence in the paint. His combination of strength and athleticism makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defences, and Leicester will need to be disciplined in limiting his opportunities around the basket.
Game details
The Riders travel to New City College Hackney on Friday, November 6th, for a 7:30pm tip-off against the London Lions. The venue, which also hosts the Lions’ women’s and academy teams, will provide the backdrop for another important test for Leicester as they look to get their Championship campaign up and running.
Fans can catch all the action live and for free on Super League Basketball’s streaming partner, DAZN, with coverage getting underway from 7:20pm.
