There is no denying the NBL is pumping this season as we are now eight weeks in and the league is as tight as ever. There is just one game difference between 2nd and 8th position.
Last week saw the underdogs triumph with several shock losses, including back-to-back losses to the top-of-the-table Sydney Kings. Let's see what this week has in store as we have our 2016-17 NBL Round 9 Preview and betting tips.
NBL Round 9 Betting Tips
Perth Wildcats Vs Brisbane Bullets (Thursday, 1 December at 9:30pm AEDT)
Despite their tough loss to the Illawarra Hawks last week 85 - 89, the Perth Wildcats continue to show their Championship winning skills. Matt Knight and Jesse Wagstaff have managed to elevate their games, providing 38 points to the Wildcats' total - all while playing restricted minutes. Casey Prather came close to a double-double shooting 18 points and 9 assists.
The Brisbane Bullets, meanwhile, are also coming off a loss. The Bullets were manhandled by the 36ers quarter after quarter. The only shining light for the Bullets was Torrey Craig. He shot 20 point and grabbed 9 boards, 5 of which defensive. Craig is currently paying $12 (Sportsbet) to win the MVP and is looking like he might be the value play.
This is 2nd Vs 3rd, but Brisbane aren't playing like it. We like Perth at home.
Tip: Perth Wildcats at the line (-4.5) - $1.90 at Sportsbet
+ Wildcats Hd-Hd using CrownBet 3/4 Time Special
New Zealand Breakers Vs Illawarra Hawks (Friday, 2 December at 5:30pm AEDT)
Corey Webster has been woeful this season, averaging a mediocre 10ppg and not having a big impact on games. Compare this to last season where he was one of the league's most effective shooters with an average of 19.57ppg. Big man Tom Abercrombie has also been relatively ineffective for the Breakers.
Illawarra, however, is trending up quickly. Not only did they defeat the Perth Wildcats at home - a brutally tough feat for anyone - they did it with a decade of history baring down on them. The Hawks hadn't won in Perth for over ten years before defeating the Wildcats 89-85 last week.
The Hawks are playing with plenty of speed recently. They are moving the ball and spreading the workload with six players scoring double figures last weekend. The trip to Auckland will be tough, but we think the Hawks will continue the form and get the job done.
Tip: Illawarra Hawks to win Hd-Hd - $2.44 at Sportsbet
Adelaide 36ers Vs Perth Wildcats (Saturday, 3 December at 5:30pm AEDT)
The 36ers enjoyed an on-the-road double last week, knocking off the Brisbane Bullets and the ladder leaders the Sydney Kings. Jerome Randle saw a surge in his form after several disappointing games. He dropped 22 points, with 7 assists against the Bullets and 20 points against the Kings. Daniel Johnson also saw an increase in productivity with 40 points and 13 boards across the two games.
Perth head into this one off the back of what we believe will be a high speed showdown against the Bullets on Thursday night. Baring any injuries to the Wildcats, we expect Perth to perform well in Adelaide.
The 36ers are travelling well this season. They have won more away games then any other team. At home, however, they have been abysmal. The 36ers will have to push if they want to win this and that's why I think it will be a tight one.
Tip: Either Team By Less Than 7 Points - $2.36 at CrownBet
Melbourne United Vs New Zealand Breakers (Sunday, 4 December at 3:00pm AEDT)
A couple of bad weeks for Melbourne now sees them anchoring the league from 8th position.
In more recent times, United has taken some huge strides with the inclusions of both Casper Ware and Chris Goulding. Ware showed fans why he was hired with a stellar performance against the Kings. He had 4 defensive boards, 4 assists and 28 points, which included a clutch 3-pointer to win the game with 3 seconds left on the clock. Ware looks the real deal and is gelling well with the rest of the team.
This is a tough weekend for the Breakers. They have Illawarra at home, then the flight to Melbourne to face off against United. We think it will prove too much for the New Zealanders and Melbourne will fire away.
Tip: Melbourne United by 7+ Points - $2.13 at CrownBet
