We bounced back from a couple of ordinary weeks to go 100% in our Round 12 NBL tips! The 2017/18 season becoming an exciting one, especially if you’re a Melbourne United fan, as they have now won their last 5 games and are pushing hard for top spot on the ladder. There’s plenty to play for this week, so take a look below at our previews for the key upcoming games and our NBL betting tips for Round 13!
2017-18 NBL Round 13 Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Kings Vs Perth Wildcats (Saturday, 6th January, 5:30pm AEDT)
Another game and another Kings loss is what we saw in Round 12. They are now 5-14 for the season and are officially out of the playoffs race. It won’t get an easier for the Kings this week either, as they are set to host the defending champions on Saturday Night. Jerome Randle has been their only consistent contributor since his arrival, averaging 21 points per game to lead the league in scoring.
The Wildcats find themselves on top of the ladder once again after a convincing 15-point road win in Cairns last weekend. MVP-fancy Bryce Cotton continues to lead from the front and helped himself to a 23-point performance in the win. The Wildcats have the equal best away record this season at 5-3 and will be extremely confident of improving that record when they travel to Sydney on Saturday.
Sydney officially have nothing to play for, which makes this one a no-brainer. We’re expecting a blowout win for Perth here.
TIP: Perth Wildcats at the line (-2.5) - $1.92 at CrownBet
Value: Perth Wildcats win by 11+ - $4 at Ladbrokes
Illawarra Hawks Vs Melbourne United (Saturday, 6th January, 7:30pm AEDT)
The Illawarra Hawks are on a 3-game winning streak and are coming fresh off a 104-82 belting of the Bullets in Round 12. Clarke, Conger and Kay combined for a whopping 61 points for the game, whilst shooting >60% from the floor. However, this weekend will be a real measure of how far they’ve come, as they are set to face off against the red-hot Melbourne United on Saturday Night.
Melbourne United have soared up the ladder into second place with a 11-6 record, thanks to their current 5-game winning streak. They made light work of the Kings in Round 12, defeating them by 24 points on the road. Melbourne are 4-4 away from home this season and will be looking to consolidate their recent form with a big win against Illawarra in this one.
After winning 5 on the trot it’s nearly impossible to back against United. They have finally become the team we all thought they would and are now blowing teams out regularly. This will be no easy win, but we think United will get the job done.
TIP: Melbourne United to win - $2.05 at Sportsbet
New Zealand Breakers Vs Cairns Taipans (Sunday, 7th January, 1:00pm AEDT)
The Breakers have been struggling in recent weeks after starting off the season at 9-1. They have now dropped down to third on the ladder and have won just 2 of their past 7 games. The good news for them is that they’re back at home this week, where they have won 6 of their 9 games this season. They will come up against the Taipans, who they are 1-1 against this season, with both games being won by the away team.
The Taipans have battled their way through the season to a mediocre 8-11 record, which places them in third last position. They had an extremely disappointing finish to 2017, losing both of their Round 12 matches. It doesn’t get any easier for the Snakes, as they are set to travel across the sea to face the Breakers.
The Taipans play a defensive style of basketball, which has resulted in them being last in points for and against this season. The two games played between these teams this season have ended in totals of 153 and 143 and we are confident this will follow the trend.
TIP: Total Points Under (173.5) - $1.90 at Sportsbet
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Tips are provided for entertainment and information purposes, and do not guarantee profit. Always gamble responsibly.
