The 2019-20 NBL season continues this weekend with Round 3. There’s a huge seven-game slate on this weekend with all games taking place between Friday night and Monday night.
We’ll be providing our expert betting tips for every NBL game this season, so make sure you check out our NBL Tips page regularly, as well as our NBA Tips page when the season gets underway.
Good luck to everyone following!
NBL Round 3 Betting Tips
Sydney Kings vs New Zealand Breakers
Friday 7:30pm AEDT, QBA
The opening Round 3 fixture is an interesting one. The Kings are currently top of the table at 2-0, compared to the Breakers who are still yet to play a game due to their participation in the NBLxNBA. The Kings are tipped by many to win the title and we believe they’ll be right up there, whereas the Breakers will be struggling to make the finals. The Breakers don’t yet have the match fitness of a proper competition game yet and we believe the Kings will take advantage of that with a comfortable win at home.
Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans
Friday 9:30pm AEDT, RAC Arena
The Wildcats won an easy one against the Hawks in Round 2 to take their early season record to 2-0. Bryce Cotton and Terrico White starred for the Cats again as they posted 100+ points as a team. Meanwhile, the Taipans lost a heartbreaker to the Hawks in their last time out, which takes their record to 0-3. It’s been another poor start for the Taipans, and we don’t see it getting any better when they travel to take on the Wildcats in Perth. The 12.5 line does seem a little large however, and it leaves the possibility of a backdoor cover, so we’ll be leaving this game alone. If anything, we’re interested in playing the total points under market depending on the value the bookies come up with. As of now, it’s a no bet.
No Bet
Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets
Saturday 5:30pm AEDT, AEC
The 36ers got their season off to a disappointing start with a loss to the Kings in Sydney last time out. It was a fairly lacklustre performance from them and one they’ll look to move on quickly from. Likewise, the Bullets were beaten convincingly in their most recent game against the Phoenix. They had no answers on the defensive end and were never in with a shout. We’re pretty keen on jumping on the 36ers to bounce back with a win in their first home game of the season. They’ve got a decent roster and should have the upper hand in Adelaide.
SE Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks
Saturday 8pm AEDT, Melbourne Arena
It’s been a dream start for Phoenix in their first year in the competition, hitting the ground running with wins in their first two games. Last weekend they made light work of the Bullets in Melbourne thanks to big games from Mitch Creek and John Roberson who combined for 55 points. The Hawks were lucky to escape with their first win of the season in their latest game against the Taipans. They won by one point on the back of a strong performance from AJ Ogilvy off the bench. Phoenix are clearly the better team here and should be making it 3-0 on the season. We have them winning comfortably in our best bet for Round 3.
SE Melbourne Phoenix -6.5
$1.90
New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings
Sunday 3pm AEDT, Spark Arena
Sunday’s double-header kicks off across the border with the Breakers playing their second NBL game of the season. They’ll take on the Sydney Kings who will come in with at least two wins already under their belt. It’s a hard one to gage considering these two clubs will play each other on Friday, so we’ll be steering clear of making a play unless there’s some clear money to be made after watching them play on Friday night.
No Bet
Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats
Sunday 5pm AEDT, Melbourne Arena
The Perth Wildcats will be playing their second game of the round when they head to Melbourne to take on United in a Grand Final rematch on Sunday night. They’ll be playing their second game in less than 48 hours, so fatigue may play a factor. Meanwhile, United will be coming back from their stint in the US in which they put in a great performance against the LA Clippers. United won’t get a better chance than this to get revenge on the Wildcats and we think they take advantage of the situation to notch their first win of the season.
Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers
Monday 7:30pm AEDT, WEC
We’ve got another Monday night fixture to close out Round 3 of the new season. The Hawks will play hosts to the 36ers in an attempt to notch their second win this campaign. On the other hand, the 36ers will be looking to improve on their first road trip of the season when they were blown out by the Phoenix in Melbourne. Neither of these clubs are expected to do much damage this season, although we do believe the 36ers are more equipped to do so. They have a better roster and are capable of causing a mini upset to close out the round.
