There only a few weeks remaining in the NBL season, but there is still plenty of uncertainty in terms of ladder positions. Let's see how the latest action plays out as we have our 2016-17 NBL Round 17 betting tips.
NBL Round 17 Betting Tips
New Zealand Breakers Vs Cairns Taipans (Thursday, January 26th at 5:30pm AEDT)
In just a few short weeks, the New Zealand Breakers have gone from the bottom of the ladder to third with a strong chance to make the finals. This week they’ll face off against the Taipans in Auckland after making it back-to-back wins in the last two weeks. When Kevin Dillard joined the Breakers a few weeks ago, he provided the spark that lit the fire. Dillard scored a solid 26-6-7 against the Hawks, then followed it up with a 20-point performance against the Perth Wildcats. Kirk Penney has also stepped up during the pointy end of the season, scoring a combined 48 points across the two games last weekend.
Cairns went 1-1 last weekend. It started with a shattering loss to the Wildcats, backed up with a solid victory against the Hawks 85-79. They come into this game against the Breakers on the back of news that NBL journeyman Mark Worthington will be retiring, but that shouldn't affect their game. Cairns season Isn't over yet, but they will need to string some tough wins together moving forward. Unfortunately, that won't likely happen on Thursday night.
Tip: New Zealand Breakers at the line (-3.5) - $1.88 at CrownBet
Brisbane Bullets Vs Sydney Kings (Friday, January 27th at 7:30pm AEDT)
After spending nine weeks at the top of the ladder, the Kings are sitting 6th in the league. Any other year and the Kings' season would be all over, but with four games remaining they are still in with a shot. During their 87-73 loss against the 36ers last weekend, the Kings were competitive for three quarters. If they string together a solid few weeks, they can turn their season around.
The Bullets took an absolute beating by the 36ers, being defeated 101-68. They were on the back foot from the start, only holding the lead for 13 seconds. They improved against Melbourne United winning 88-71 where Torrey Craig increased his production with 24 points 7 rebounds and 3 assists, while Daniel Kickert managed 24-8-2. After struggling to find form, the Bullets have “in the best interest of the team” cut Jermaine Beal.
With the Kings seemingly playing better basketball, we’re happy to follow them against the woeful Bullets.
Tip: Sydney Kings to win Hd-Hd - $1.87 at CrownBet
Illawarra Hawks Vs Adelaide 36ers (Saturday, January 28th at 7:30pm AEDT)
In this top-of-the-table clash, the Illawarra Hawks will face off against the Presumptive minor premiers the Adelaide 36ers. These teams have played three times this season, with the Hawks winning 2 of the 3. The Hawks are coming off back-to-back losses last weekend. first going down to the Breakers then to the Taipans. With the 36ers five games clear they've locked up the minor premiership. Jerome Randle had 22 points in just 20 minutes against the Bullets last weekend.
The 36ers are the best team in the competition, but the rivalry between these two teams will make for a fantastic game. It might end up being a competitive game, but the 36ers should prove too strong.
Tip: Adelaide 36ers at the line (-2.5) - $1.94 at CrownBet
Perth Wildcats Vs Melbourne United (Saturday, January 28th at 6:30pm AWST)
Despite their ladder position, neither the Wildcats or Melbourne United are out of contention. A win this week could see either team move into third position.
Melbourne has been relatively disappointing lately. They went down to the Bullets last week and simply didn't look prepared. Sure, Casper Ware dropped 27 and Goulding had a solid night with 17 points, but defensively they were out of touch.
Perth went 1/1 last week, first defeating the Taipans 84-78 then losing to the Breakers 86-82. Bryce Cotton has been a revelation for the Wildcats. He dropped 27 against the Taipans and 26 against the Breakers. His inclusion couldn't have come at a better time. Casey Prather, meanwhile, has seen a drop in production over the last few games.
Ware Vs Cotton. Import Vs Import. This one is going to be a scoring bonanza. Melbourne will need to elevate their defensive efforts, but none the less we’re in for a great game.
Tip: Either Team By Less Than 7 - $2.26 at CrownBet
+ Game Score - Over 169.5 - @1.88 at CrownBet
Cairns Taipans Vs Brisbane Bullets (Sunday, January 29th at 6:00pm AEST)
The Queensland clash is upon us again. The last time these rivals hit the courts, Brisbane were the clear winners 93-76. Will that be the case once again?
The Taipans are on a double this week. When they defeated the Breakers in Auckland they simply looked unstoppable. Cameron Gliddon shot the lights out with 26 points in 25 minutes, 3 rebounds and a cheeky assist. Alex Loughton off the bench was extremely efficient, scoring 21 points and 4 rebounds.
The Bullets are also on a double facing Sydney on Friday night. last time out Brisbane was Impressive against Melbourne. Torrey Craig and Daniel Kickert were on fire both shooting 24 points.
While the last time these two teams met it was a blowout, the rematch should be a lot tighter. There’s a reason these two teams are in the bottom of the ladder. Sure the Taipans beat the Breakers, but it was second their players that sealed the deal. Will they be able to do it again? We don't think so, but they should be competitive.
Tip: Either Team By Less Than 7 - $2.26 at CrownBet
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Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
