A disappointing week for us for NBL Round 8 with a few really close games not going our way. However, we’re still well up on the season and are confident we can get back to a winning week in Round 9. So without further ado, here are our previews and betting tips for this weekend’s action. Good luck to everyone following!
NBL Round 9 Betting Tips
Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings (Friday 9:50pm AEDT)
The first game of the round is perhaps the best game of the round with the league leading Wildcats hosting championship fancies, Sydney Kings. The Wildcats come into this in terrific form having won 11 of their first 13 games of the season. Meanwhile, the Kings have put a sluggish start behind them to climb to third on the ladder and look like a major threat for the silverware.
We still feel like the bookies are giving the Kings a little too much credit here. The Wildcats have an incredible 7-0 record at home this season and continue to get the job done down the stretch. On the other hand, the Kings are 3-3 on the road and have found it tough to get their offence functioning consistently away from their home court. We’re prepared to continue to back the Wildcats in until they give us a reason not to.
Brisbane Bullets vs Adelaide 36ers (Saturday 2:50pm AEDT)
The only game on Saturday this weekend features the Brisbane Bullets taking on the Adelaide 36ers. The Bullets started the season off winning four games from their opening 10 fixtures, but have since gone on to win each of their last three to position themselves in fourth place on the table with a 7-6 record. Meanwhile, the 36ers continue to struggle with their record now at 5-8, placing them in sixth position in the standings.
The Bullets are coming off their best round of the season, defeating the defending champion Melbourne United both at home and on the road. With their streak now at three and playing great basketball, it makes no sense for them to come into this game against the 36ers as only slight favourites. We’re going to be backing them in to the hills here.
Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings (Sunday 2:50pm AEDT)
The first of two Sunday games in Round 9 is being played between the Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings. The Hawks will be playing their first game of the week here, so should have the fitness advantage over the Kings who will be travelling back from a late Thursday game in Perth. This season the Hawks have had their ups and downs, but are still in a decent position to make a finals push if they can get some consecutive wins together.
We see the Hawks at great value in this one. With both the home court and fitness advantage, anything over $2.20 screams out value. The Hawks have played just five games at home this season and have won three of them. Here’s their chance to take a big scalp and kickstart their season.
Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers (Sunday 5:20pm AEDT)
The second of the Sunday games for Round 9 will be contested between the Cairns Taipans and the New Zealand Breakers. The Taipans let us down last week and just look like a team that’s season is already done and dusted. Although they have a great player in Melo Trimble, Cairns obviously lack leadership and experience out on the court. Likewise, the Breakers have struggles this season and have only posted four wins from 12 games so far.
Definitely not the most exciting game of the round, with the bottom two teams in the league looking for a much needed win. Unfortunately for the Taipans, we just don’t see them winning this. The breakers are still in the hunt for a finals spot if they can string a few together and we think they start their run here.
Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats (Monday 7:50pm AEDT)
The final game of the round is a beauty on Monday night between Melbourne United and the Perth Wildcats. United were really disappointing in Round 8 losing to the Bullets twice, but are still positioned nicely in second spot on the ladder. For Perth, well this will be their second really though game of the round after played Sydney on Thursday night.
The Wildcats come into this as the form team, but they will be playing their second tough game of the week and will be up against a hungry United, who will be desperate to get back on the winners list. We have United taking care of home court here.
