We got off to an absolute belter to begin the 2018-19 NBL season, hitting on most of our Round 1 tips, which included a $6.50 bomb on the Taipans to win by 11+ against the Bullets. We’ll look to continue our great start to the season with some more winners as we preview our best bets for NBL Round 2. Good luck to all following!
NBL Round 2 Betting Tips
Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings (Friday, 7:50pm AEDT)
The first game of the round takes place over in South Australia with the Adelaide 36ers hosting the Sydney Kings on Friday night. These two teams played each other just six days prior and it was the 36ers who caused a massive upset, running home 94-83 winners on the road. They got hot at the right time and left Andrew Bogut and the Kings feeling “exposed”. It’ll be interesting to see the adjustments made by Kings coach Andrew Gaze as he looks to avoid a second consecutive defeat to Joey Wright’s 36ers.
We expect the Kings to come out hard and play with desperation as they try to find their first win of the season. We’re happy to give them another go this week.
Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets (Saturday, 3pm AEDT)
The second match of the round sees the Perth Wildcats host the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats were super impressive in Round 1, winning on the road against the 36ers by eight points before thumping the Hawks at home by 40. Meanwhile, the Bullets had a mixed bag in Round 1, upsetting the Breakers on the road prior to being taught a lesson by the Taipans at home.
In our view the Wildcats roster is far superior to that of the Bullets. We had the Wildcats as contenders before the season started and how they performed in week 1 just gave us more confidence. Expect an easy showing here.
Wildcats -7.5 Handicap
$1.90
New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings (Sunday, 12:20pm AEDT)
The first of a three game Sunday slate is the match featuring the New Zealand Breakers and the Sydney Kings in Auckland. This one looms as another cracker and a great way to start of the days proceedings. The Breakers will be in high spirits after getting the win over the reigning champions Melbourne United last weekend. Meanwhile, the Kings will be on a quick two day turnaround from their match in Adelaide.
We have the Breakers winning this purely on the travel factor for Sydney. They play in Adelaide on Friday night at 7:50pm (AEDT) and have to travel to Auckland to play just 41 hours later against the Breakers at 12:20pm (AEDT) on Sunday. Extremely tough ask.
Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers (Sunday, 2:50pm AEDT)
The second Sunday game is another beauty with Melbourne United hosting the Adelaide 36ers in a Grand Final rematch. Melbourne showed a little glimpse of a championship hangover in Round 1 as they JUST beat the Hawks before getting completely outplayed by the Breakers. However, we expect them to come into this one fresh, locked in and ready to kick start their 2018-19 campaign. On the other hand, the 36ers are playing their second game of the week and fourth game in two weeks, so there’s sure to be a bit of early season fatigue kicking in.
The United money line is decent for multi’s, but we’re confident enough to make a play on their line.
United -4.5 Handicap
$1.88
Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks (Sunday, 5:20pm AEDT)
The final game of the round has the Cairns Taipans hosting the Illawarra Hawks in a Sunday twilight fixture. It’s definitely not the most talked about match of the round, but it’s certainly one that represents value. The Taipans treated us well last weekend as they got up by 17 points against the Bullets, while the Hawks lost a nail-biter against United before getting hammered by the Wildcats.
Again, we like the Taipans. Their roster is underrated and we fell they will put on another dominant display this weekend.
Taipans -3.5 Handicap
$1.97
