After an enthralling 2017/18 NBL season we’ve reached the final round of the regular season, with playoff basketball just around the corner! Melbourne United claimed the minor premiership in Round 18 and will take home-court advantage into the playoffs, however, the remaining 3 playoff positions can still change, which will make for an exciting final round. Take a look below as we preview the key games and provide our NBL betting tips for Round 19!
2017-18 NBL Round 19 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne United Vs Perth Wildcats (Friday, 16th February, 7:30pm AEDT)
Melbourne United had a terrific week in Round 18, defeating the third placed Breakers twice! This made it an incredible 13 wins from their past 14 games, gifting them the minor premiership and making them the clear favourite for the title. They will finish off the regular season with two home games, with the first of them being a Friday Night clash with the defending champion Perth Wildcats at Hisense Arena.
The Wildcats lost all hope of claiming a top 2 position after last weekend’s disappointing loss to the Taipans at home. They came in as hot favourites but dished up arguably their worst performance of the season. MVP fancy Bryce Cotton couldn’t get the lid off the basket and JP Tokoto was not as his usual level on the defensive end.
We are making the obvious selection here and taking United to cover the spread. They are a force at home and are on one hell of a run.
TIP: Melbourne United at the line (-4.5) - $1.90 at Ladbrokes
Adelaide 36ers Vs Brisbane Bullets (Saturday, 17th February, 5:30pm AEDT)
The Adelaide 36ers are quietly going on an incredible run themselves. They won their only game in Round 18, thumping the Hawks by 24 points on the road in an offensive masterclass. They have now won 9 of their past 11 games and are sitting in second position with 1 game remaining. Their final game of the season will be a twilight match against the Bullets, with a top 2 spot on offer if they’re victorious.
The Bullets recorded an unlikely win last weekend against the Wildcats on the road. Possibly sparked by Buford’s absence the Bullets were aggressive from the tip-off and never looked back. Despite the win, they are just percentage off the bottom of the ladder with 2 games remaining. They will have to dig deep in two tough games to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
The 36ers have a must win game on their hand we expect them to come out firing on all cylinders. They should cover the line easy here.
TIP: Adelaide 36ers at the line (-7.5) - $1.87 at Sportsbet
Sydney Kings Vs New Zealand Breakers (Sunday, 18th February, 5:00pm AEDT)
The Kings won their only game in Round 18, defeating the Bullets by 12 points at home. They are now sharing bottom spot with them and have 2 games remaining to avoid the wooden spoon. It’s been a disappointing season for the Kings and it won’t be an easy final round either, as they are set to host the third placed Breakers.
The Breakers would be extremely disappointed with the events that occurred in Round 18. They led by as many as 13 in their visit to Melbourne, but ended up losing by 6. In the return fixture they were simply outplayed and lost comfortably. Despite their troubles, they still have a chance at making the top 2 if they win their remaining games and other results go their way.
We’re extremely surprised to see the Kings come into this one as favourites. The Breakers still have a lot to play for and expect them to win here.
TIP: New Zealand Breakers at the line (+2.5) - $1.83 at CrownBet
