The following are previews with betting tips for Matchweek 1 of the 2021 NBL season.
Compare NBL bookmaker odds
View the NBL form guide
View bookmaker NBL promotions (excludes NSW & WA)
*KEY- LS = Last Season
Monday, January 18
 |
Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra HawksCairns Pop Up Arena 7:30pm AEDT |
 |
Key Player- Cam Oliver C. LS 17.0ppg, 9.1rpg, 2.2apg, 0.6spg and 1.6bpg.
Previous Match- The Taipans went down 97-81 against Melbourne in their latest pre-season game at the Cairns Pop Up Arena. The key Q for them was Q1, where they won 24-18. And their key player, coming of the bench was King, as he shot 7/13 and 3 from deep, good for 21pts to go along with his 2reb. Koi also scored 17 and Oliver 11. As for the Hawks, in their latest pre-season match, they fought hard against the Kings, as they lost 98-89 at Qudos Bank Arena. They key Q for them was Q4, which they won 30-21. Jessup was HUGE with 21pts, Deng also scored 16 and Harvey 11. That whilst Naar had 12pts of the pine. Jessup also had 3reb and 2stl.
What Should Happen- Ultimately, whilst both squads have made some significant changes over this off-season, there’s two things that remain the same for Cairns. And they go by the name of Scott Machado and Cam Oliver. This incredible one-two punch duo led the Taipans to a shock 3rd placed finish last season, ahead of highly rated sides such as Melbourne, Brisbane and NZ. And in what could be a slightly unpleasant game on the eyes, it should be these two that eventually will the slightly more powerful Taipans to a first up W. Machado is a former Rocket, Warrior and Laker. Whilst for Oliver, he’s previously plied his trade for multiple G-League sides. They are seasoned veterans and you can expect em to get it done in this one.
Bet on the Taipans to win at $1.34 (Sportsbet) and to be the first to 10 points.
Best Bets of the Season
If you want a safe and smart bet, pick Sydney to win a 4th Championship this season at 10.00 (Sportsbet). Also pick the Wildcats to miss the finals, that being your more think outside the box type of bet. There’s no Plumlee anymore, both Kay and White are also gone, which leaves Cotton on his own. As good as he is, can he really drag a team to the playoffs all on his own??? I don’t think so.