Round 10 of the 2022/23 NBL season kicks off on Thursday night with a blockbuster between the New Zealand Breakers and the Sydney Kings. It’s a top-of-the-table clash and perhaps a preview of what’s to come later in the season!
Greg Davis is back with his preview and NBL tips for the big contest on Thursday night.
New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings Betting Tips
Spark Arena, Auckland, Thursday 5:30pm AEDT
Four words – potential Grand Final preview.
Two teams have separated themselves from the rest of the competition in the 2022/23 NBL season and they go head-to-head in the opening match of Round 10 this Thursday.
Sydney and New Zealand occupy the top two spots on the table for a reason. If they can replicate their early season form in the back-half of the campaign, they would be at short odds of meeting each other in the big dance.
Both sides have won four of their last five outings and have star power from the frontcourt to the backcourt with box scores from their matches revealing that any number of players can be match-winners on any given night.
They have met in Auckland once before this season with a fast-starting Kings claiming a rollercoaster 81-77 victory on the last day before the FIBA break after dominating the first half and surviving a late charge for the Breakers who hit just five of 21 from three-point range on the day.
New Zealand was upset in their last start when the inconsistent Perth claimed a shock 92-84 win after losing to Brisbane in overtime just two days earlier.
Meanwhile, the Kings enjoyed a statement win over Adelaide in Round 9 with an emphatic 97-78 triumph over the 36ers. Sydney have been the pacesetters - or thereabouts - all season and have been able to find different ways to win against all comers.
Sydney are the definition of ‘road warriors’. The Kings have won 17 of their last 18 games away from the Harbour City. They have also covered the line in nine of their last 10 road encounters (plus 1.5 points this Thursday).
The Kings have been in New Zealand’s building once before this season and came away with the W. So, this trip holds no fears for them.
They are still very much the barometer. Any team hoping to lift the trophy must go through Sydney first.
The Breakers have been the surprise packet of the season when they have actually been harder to beat away from Auckland (losing just once compared to three defeats at home).
As good as they’ve been – and they have been excellent - New Zealand are still yet to beat Sydney after also falling to the Kings in the pre-season Blitz tournament in the Northern Territory in September.
The Breakers will be keen to bounce back from the surprise loss to Perth, but the Kings are rolling and will be looking to make another statement against a would-be contender for their crown.
Kings to win in a tight one.
ALTERNATIVE BET: Total points Under 171.5 - $1.91 at Dabble
Sydney Kings to win by 1-10 points
$3.25
