The following are previews with betting tips for selected fixtures in Round 3 of the 2021/22 NBL season.
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Melbourne United vs Sydney KingsThursday Dec 16, 7:30pm |
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Both Sydney and Melbourne are coming off highly contentious defeats as they open up RD3 of the NBL in style. For the Kings, they struggled for large parts of their eight-point defeat to the Hawks, as they let down the majority of their supporters at Qudos Bank Arena. However in a small defence to them, the lack of star Guard Jaylen Adams due to injury certainly didn’t help their cause. Going down in Q’s 2 & 3, 22-18 and 21-17 respectively, is what ultimately lost them the match, as their shooting were close to being classified as lackluster. Regardless, each of Sydney’s starting five scored in double-figures, as Angus Glover led the way with 16PTS and 7REB. While he was also ejected right at the end of the game due to his unexpected reaction, to his own unnecessary foul to begin with. While Xavier Cooks also poured in 14, Jarell Martin 13, Shaun Bruce 12 and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk 11.
For United at the John Cain Arena, they were busted open by S.E.M., as they went down 94-86 in a game highlighted by Mitch Creek’s damaging poster drunk on former Cleveland and NBA Championship winner Matthew Dellavedova, see here:
Whilst the aftermath of former Brooklyn Net Creek’s absolute smasher was just as feisty! As all the lads wanted a part of the action! FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE FLOOR! As the melee ensued, eventual fines were handed out as well. But it goes to show how much both franchises care about their local bragging rights, and how badly each of them want to claim this seasons Championship. United’s leader in that clash was ‘Delly’, who converted 6/6 FTS to contribute to his 19PTS, along with 9REB, 5AST and 3ST.
Dejan Vasiljevic returns to the court for the Kings for the first time in a long time. after his long rehabilitation process from injury. While each of Glover and Cooks were fined $375 a piece for their roles in the melee at the end of their Derby against Illawarra. Expect Vasiljevic to be on a minutes restriction in this rematch of RD1, however regardless of whether you support Sydney or not, you have to be happy to see the former University of Miami player return to the floor. And as for Cooks, he may play slightly more reserved in this game than the usual, which is something that Dean Vickerman’s side need to pounce on and take strong advantage of.
Betting tips: Pick Sydney to prevail at $2.31 (BlueBet)
However, pick Melbourne to produce the games highest scoring quarter at $1.70
Also pick Q1 to produce over 40.00 points at $1.34 (Unibet)
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Illawarra Hawks vs New Zealand BreakersFriday Dec 17, 7:30pm |
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Illawarra currently hold down the fort in equal 1st, as their start to the season has been nothing short of phenomenal. Meanwhile the Breakers are struggling, with an 0-3 record and they were most recently forced into the injury replacement signing of Chasson Randle as Peyton Silva recovers from injury problems. However Randle is no slouch, having played for Golden State in 2020 and Orlando earlier this year. Not too mention he’s also a former NBA G League, EuroLeague and NBL Champion. While he also averaged a fairly decent 6.5PPG with the Magic. He’s about to bring a whole lot of highlights to the worlds fastest growing Basketball competition.
While for the Hawks, they celebrated Brian Goorjian’s 800th game as a head coach/player with a well-deserved and hard-fought 92-84 away triumph over the Kings. And as much as they might’ve struggled down the stretch, they held on much to the dismay of the majority of those in attendance at Qudos Bank Arena. With Illawarra now having claimed three victories in a row to start the new season off with. Duop Reath led the way with an impressive 27PTS, while Antonius Cleveland got 19. And both Tyler Harvey and Justinian Jessup scored 13 a piece. Reath also went 3/4 from beyond the arc, to go along with his 7REB and 1AST. As for Cleveland, his other stats included 7REB, 1AST, 5ST and 2BL!
Anything other then a soaring Hawks victory right here is incredibly difficult to envisage. And you can only expect them to be further fired up after that RD2 Derby win, despite both Sam Froling and Jessup having copped fines. It may well have the adverse effect on their play compared to the Kings, as they’ll know they can play hard and triumph hard. How the Breakers stop their relentless attack is anybody’s best guess. But I’d estimate that French Center Hugo Besson who claimed 5 defensive rebounds last game, along with William McDowell-White who conjoured up 4, will be massive parts of New Zealand’s defensive strategies if they are to try and take something from this affair.
Betting tips: Pick Illawarra to triumph at $1.30 (bet365)
Also pick them to win Q1 at $1.55 (Unibet)
While you can also look for Goorjian’s side to easily have the highest scoring quarter at $1.40
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Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane BulletsFriday Dec 17, 9:30pm |
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The Wildcats so far have had a fairly testy start to the season. To open up with they claimed a scratchy 12-point win over Adelaide. Next up they blasted the Taipans to bits, winning 90-67, as Bryce Cotton scored 31PTS, to go along with his 3STL and 6 3’s among other stats. Finally and most recently, they suffered a tight and tense 97-94 loss to the Brisbane Bullets. A match that went to double OT, but where they would also eventually go down 13-10. A Jason Cadee layup leaving 00.01 seconds left on the clock, delivering the fatal blow. However, it wasn’t all negative for last years runner up’s and there are plenty of positives that they can take from that narrow loss into their game against the Bullets, such as the need for revenge! As well as the play of Vic Law and Cotton, who fashioned 29 and 19PTS respectively. With Todd Blanchfield also having brought the energy in his Sixth Man role, with 14PTS, 4REB, 2AST and 2BLK.
Meanwhile for Brisbane in that testy clash at the RAC Arena, they really brought the affair back into perspective in Q2, outscoring the hosts 26-17. Lamar Patterson and Robert Franks were also incredibly electric, as the two star players showed why Brisbane revolves around them, with their massive 27 and 21PTS each. Patterson shot 10/18 from the floor as he also got 3REB, 4AST and 1STL to his name. While Franks shot 10/19, as he also pulled in 12 boards. Outside of them, Nathan Sobey’s stats included a nice 19PTS and 12REB, while Tyrell Harrison had 10 and 14. We’re in for a hell of a rematch here!
What can we expect from this one? Will it be another Bullets win? Or can Cotton and Law show out in a glitzy Wildcats triumph? Only these two sides know the answer and come very soon, we will too! I expect a strong showing from both sides, with the Guard battle between Australian Boomer Sobey and Australian citizen Cotton to be of a particular interest. Both players shoot the inside-ball extremely well, while both are also somewhat erratic when it comes to chucking them up from deep. But … when they get going from outside the arc, it’s game over for the other team. Two teams, two players, one result! Who will take it out?
Betting tips: Pick the Wildcats to prevail in this here rematch at $1.45 (bet365)
Also look for them to edge out Q4 at $1.74 (Unibet)
Finally pick the points total for Q3 to be over over 40.50 at $1.92 (Unibet)
Best Bets of the Round:
Betting tips: Pick Illawarra to triumph at $1.30 (bet365)
Also pick them to win Q1 at $1.55 (Unibet)
While you can also look for Goorjian’s side to easily have the highest scoring quarter at $1.40