Second up in the NBL on Saturday night is the Brisbane Bullets vs Cairns Taipans. It should be a cracking contest between two sides looking to improve on positive starts to their respective campaigns. We bring you our full game preview and best bet below!
Also, we’re providing previews and expert betting tips for every game of the NBL24 season, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content. Alternatively, you can access the rest of our NBL Round 2 betting tips here!
NBL24 Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Brisbane Bullets vs Cairns Taipans
Saturday 8pm AEDT, October 7th, Nissan Arena
After a disappointing NBL23, the Brisbane Bullets have hit the ground running this season. They’ve won both of their games to date, including one at home and one on the road. Most recently, the Bullets upset the Breakers with a five-point win at Spark Arena, which highlighted just how much they’ve improved over the offseason.
Importantly, veteran guard Nathan Sobey looks to be well and truly back to some of his best form in NBL24. He led the way in their win over the Breakers with 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The acquisition of point guard Shannon Scott looks to have freed Sobey up and allowed him to thrive in his role off the ball rather than focusing on setting up his teammates.
Another weapon for the Bullets is the twin towers at the centre position. Aron Baynes looks to be playing slightly better than last season, while Tyrell Harrison has been a force off the bench. Additionally, Next Star Rocco Zikarsky can also play spot minutes at the same position.
Also coming off an upset win in their opening game of Round 2 is the Cairns Taipans. The Snakes took care of the depleted Phoenix on Thursday night, defeating them by seven points in a see-sawing affair.
Next Star Bobi Klintman was fantastic in a true breakout performance against the Phoenix. Klintman stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. Import Patrick Miller was also instrumental with 25 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.
The Snakes will likely remain without captain Tahjere McCall as he continues to rehab from injury. It’s important they continue to stay competitive whilst McCall’s out, as he is their most important player on both sides of the ball.
Match prediction: The Bullets have surprised me a little bit with their hot start to the season, but after watching their terrific effort against the Breakers last outing I’m certainly not surprised to see them priced as favourites in this clash with the Taipans.
On paper, the Bullets are the stronger side and their chances of winning only increase being on their home deck at Nissan Arena. With a 3-0 start to NBL24 on offer, I’m expecting the Bullets to put in another strong performance and take care of the undermanned Snakes.
Brisbane Bullets -2.5
$1.87 (2.5 Units)
