We’re now into the second last round of the NBL season before we get stuck into the playoffs! The top four still isn’t set in stone, meaning there are some huge games set to playout this weekend and as always, we have our best bets for them right here!
NBL Round 20 Betting Tips
New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks
Friday 5:30pm AEST, The Stockyard
New Zealand have enjoyed their return home with two wins from their past three games, with the most recent one coming against the 36ers by 18 points. It’s been a tough season for the Breakers on all accounts, so it’s been good to see them get some success late in their campaign.
Illawarra have found some of their best form of the season at the right time as they look to secure a top four spot. They were easy winners last time out against the Taipans, making it five wins from their past six games. The Hawks have a fairly favourable run home and are in the box seat for a playoff berth.
The Breakers have been playing well on their home deck but come up against a red-hot Hawks team that is in desperation mode. We’re surprised the Hawks aren’t favourites here and are more than happy to back them in to get the job done.
Illawarra Hawks H2H
$2.13
South-East Melbourne Phoenix vs Cairns Taipans
Friday 7:30pm AEST, Cairns Pop Up Arena
South-East Melbourne are flying at the moment with four wins in a row, all of which have been by 9+ points. They absolutely demolished the Bullets on the road last time out by 29 points to all but shore up a top four finish and their first trip to the playoffs.
Cairns have had a season from hell that no one could see coming. Despite being led by one of the best point guards in the league in Scott Machado, the Taipans have managed to win just seven games on the season. They come into this game on a disastrous eight-game losing streak.
The venue change of this game does hurt the Phoenix a little bit, but they should still be far too good for the Taipans who have looked disinterested of late. On current form, Phoenix should be able to cover the big 12.5-point spread without too much trouble.
SE Melbourne Phoenix -12.5
$1.90
Sydney Kings vs Melbourne United
Saturday 8pm AEST, Qudos Bank Arena
Sydney were unable to get the job done against the undermanned Wildcats in their first game of Round 20, which put a huge dint in their playoff aspirations. The Kings must now win all three of their remaining games to give themselves a chance of a top four finish, but must also hope for a couple of Hawks losses.
Melbourne have had a fantastic season despite having to deal with a number of injuries to their key players. They’ve remained on top of the ladder for virtually the whole season and look destined to stay there. United come into this game on a two-game winning streak.
The Kings really shot themselves in the foot on Thursday night when they went down to the Wildcats and we feel their season is just about over as a result. Look for United to continue their fantastic season with another win where they will cover the spread in the process.
Melbourne United ATS
$1.90
