After a pause in the schedule for international commitments, the 2022-23 NBL resumes this week with Melbourne United and Adelaide 36ers kicking off NBL Round 7 on Thursday night. It’s an important game for both sides as they look to regain some momentum for the second half of the NBL season.
Greg Davis is back with his preview and NBL tips for United vs 36ers this Thursday night!
Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers Preview & Betting Tips
John Cain Arena, Melbourne, Thursday 7.30pm AEDT
In the grand scheme of sporting things, the NBL season is not a sprint - but it’s also not a marathon either.
So, like any middle-distance race, you cannot afford to fall off the pace or you’ll be eating dust.
Melbourne United and Adelaide were both rated as genuine contenders before the 2022-23 NBL campaign tipped off but have failed to fire in the opening rounds, combining for a mediocre eight wins and a worrying nine losses.
After the NBL hit the pause button for the FIBA international window, United and the 36ers will kick-start the second phase of the season this Thursday night with both teams desperate to breathe life into their title tilt with a statement win.
Adelaide have parted ways with import Craig Randall and given the drama that was taking place on, near and off the court with the US sharpshooter, the relieved 36ers will have some weight lifted off their shoulders after a mixed run following their stunning win over NBA team Phoenix in the pre-season.
One pundit’s claim that Randall and fellow Adelaide imports Robert Franks and Antonius Cleveland were the best trio in NBL history aged as well as a carton of milk left out of the fridge in the middle of summer and highlighted the gaping chasm between the expectations and results for the 36ers so far.
Adelaide had star guard Mitch McCarron on duty with the Australian Boomers and he will be the important – and travel-weary – heartbeat of the 36ers, as always.
United have had a funny old season thus far with inconsistency being the only consistent thing about the powerhouse club that is normally safely installed in or near the top of the table.
Melbourne are still figuring out their best roster mix with their import configuration the biggest headache for United who looked good in their over Perth in Perth but couldn’t hit the side of a barn when they hosted Sydney. It’s hard to get a gauge on them.
Both sides are stacked with potential match-winners but their undulating form means it is hard to know who will get hot and carry their team to a much-needed win.
One thing we may be able to bank on is if Melbourne are leading at three-quarter time, they are home, as Adelaide have lost the last quarter in their last eight games at John Cain Arena.
The last six games between these two teams at the Melbourne venue have all gone over the total points line which is set at 171.5 points for Thursday night.
Alternative bet: Total Points Over 170.5 - $1.87 at Bet365
Either team by less than 7
$2.30
