The NBL is heating up with only a few rounds left before the playoffs begin! There’s a crucial week of action upon us, so take a look below at our previews for the key upcoming games and our NBL betting tips for Round 16!
2017-18 NBL Round 16 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Bullets Vs Adelaide 36ers (Saturday, 27th January, 5:30pm AEDT)
The Bullets have completely gone off the rails in the past month and have now lost a league-worst 7 games in a row. They are now only percentage off the bottom spot in the standings and are clearly out of playoff contention. Last round saw the Bullets go down to Melbourne United by 7 points at home, which was their third successive home defeat. They are 7-15 for the season and are only playing for pride at this point.
What a second half of the season it’s been for the Adelaide 36ers. They are on the complete other end of the spectrum to the Bullets and have won a league-high 7 games in a row, which has moved them up to second place in the standings. The 36ers have been the best road team in the league this season at 7-4 and will be full of confidence heading into Saturday Night’s clash.
You’d be crazy to back against the 36ers at the moment, especially when they’re playing the Bullets. It’s a very small line which is surprising, so we’ll be taking full advantage of that.
TIP: Adelaide 36ers at the line (-4.5) - $1.94 at CrownBet
Perth Wildcats Vs New Zealand Breakers (Saturday, 27th January, 8:30pm AEDT)
The Wildcats have found themselves in somewhat of a form of late and surprising lost both of their matches against the bottom of the ladder Sydney Kings last week. Although the Kings had Lisch back it was still a worrying week for the Cats as they’re gearing up for the post-season. Cotton and Tokoto, who are the top leaders for this year’s MVP, have been quiet lately and will be looking to bounce back this week.
Like the Wildcats, the New Zealand Breakers have been struggling to produce their best basketball over the past month. They split their 2 games last round, beating United at home before losing to the Taipans on the road. It’s the sort of inconsistency that has plagued them lately, as they are now 4-7 in their last 11 games and haven’t strung 2 wins together in that stretch.
The Wildcats are and have been a class outfit for a long time now and we think last week’s performances will be addressed with a big win against the Breakers at home on Saturday Night.
TIP: Perth Wildcats at the line (-4.5) - $1.90 at Sportsbet
Illawarra Hawks Vs Cairns Taipans (Sunday, 28th January, 5:00pm AEDT)
The Illawarra Hawks were unfortunate to come up against the red-hot 36ers last weekend not once, but twice! This resulted in 2 blowout losses that have put a big asterisk next to their playoff chances. They are currently the only team outside of the top 4 who have a mathematical chance of making the post-season and will need to win almost all of their matches from now on. Luckily for them they are coming up against the struggling Taipans whose season effectively ended last round.
The Taipans are now 10-14 and are no longer a mathematical chance of post-season action. It’s been a tough season for the Snakes after losing their star-man Michael Carrera early in the season. The Snakes split their 2 games last round, defeating the Breakers at home before losing to Melbourne United at Hisense on Wednesday.
The Hawks still have their season to play for, which is something that can’t be said about the Taipans. For that reason alone, we think the Hawks are good value to cover the spread in this one.
TIP: Illawarra Hawks at the line (-4.5) - $1.90 at Ladbrokes
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