The busy Christmas period continues in the NBL in Round 13 with a blockbuster Friday night clash. It's a Grand Final rematch between the Sydney Kings and the Tasmania JackJumpers as both sides look to maintain their position towards the top of the NBL ladder. This should be a cracking game!
Greg Davis is back with his preview and NBL betting tips for Kings vs JackJumpers!
And if you're looking to bet on the NBL this season, then why not consider Neds? They have an excellent range of NBL betting markets and odds that are a slam dunk!
Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers Preview & Betting Tips
Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Friday, December 30th, 7.30pm AEDT
Psychological scars. That’s what this contest will be all about.
Can Sydney overcome them or can Tassie re-open them and inflict more pain on the Kings?
The last time these two teams met was on December 11 at Qudos Bank Arena when the JackJumpers claimed an 84-76 victory.
How they got to that point was remarkable. Sydney scored 11 of the last 12 points in the third term to look well in control of the first meeting between last season’s grand finalists.
But the JackJumpers produced a stunning final term where they outscored the home side 26-6, pouring in 26 of the last 30 points scored in the game with import Milton Doyle leading the charge with 25 points for the game – eight above his season average.
Kings coach Chase Buford described Sydney’s defence as “trash” and was not overly complimentary of the rest of his team’s performance with the reigning champs hitting just three three-pointers from 16 attempts while committing 17 turnovers.
Tasmania’s bench also outscored Sydney’s reserves by 26-12 as the Jackies showcased their trademark relentlessness at both ends of the floor.
The loss did not send Sydney into a season-ending shame spiral.
The Kings sit atop the standings after their big Christmas Day win over Melbourne United.
Sydney got in front and stayed in front and outscored the Chris Goulding-less United 55-40 after halftime with Xavier Cooks helping himself to 24 points.
Meanwhile, Tasmania beat up on Illawarra just before Christmas before sending a message to the rest of the competition with a 93-82 victory over the second-placed New Zealand on Boxing Day with five players in green returning double figures in the points column.
So, this should be a cracker. Both teams are in form with their tails up.
Sydney are champions for a reason and they’ll be hell-bent on redeeming themselves for the December 11 disaster. But the way Tasmania played on Boxing Day – against a very good side – showed the JackJumpers are getting back to their best team-first basketball which took them all the way to the big dance last season.
They have good memories from this venue too. JackJumpers to be the kings of the castle.
Alternative Bet - Over 172.5 points - $1.85 at Neds
Tasmania by 1-10 points
$4.25
