The following is a preview with betting tips for Game Five of the Grand Final series for the 2023/24 NBL season.
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Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Sunday March 31, 4:00pm |
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‘Delly’ or Doyle, who DELIVERS a Championship?
Matthew Dellavedova take a bow! The 5X medal winning and Victorian born 33-year-old Point Guard was absolutely vital throughout the course of Melbourne’s 88-86 away triumph in Game Four, which has in-turn forced a deciding Game Five. As he usually is ‘Delly’ was as relentless as ever, just pushing and pushing away at the Tasmanian defence and eventually they broke down. Extremely late into the fourth quarter he converted a tough layup despite being swarmed by a ‘Jackie’ and that was not just the match-clinching shot but in fact the game-winning shot. Dellavedova all up had 15PTS and 6AST on the night as he tormented his opposing PG in the form of Milton Doyle.
Doyle a former NBA veteran himself was fully outclassed by his opposing number as he struggled to make his presence felt in front of 4000+ home supporters. Despite flashing glimpses of his pure and utter brilliance, he went missing where it mattered the most. And that was especially reflective within the stats-sheet where he ended the tightly contested affair with just a damming 3AST to his name. Considering the impact of the previously-mentioned Dellavedova this series, Chris Goulding being hot from deep, what Shea Ili has done defensively and the poor performances of Jordan Crawford, Doyle was sorely needed by his fellow Tasmania teammates in this matchup to not only create opportunities for the franchise, but also to try and help soften the impact that Melbourne’s free-flowing Guards have garnered up. ‘Delly’ is unlikely to take a backward step this game, whilst Doyle will be fully, fully aware that it’s now or never for both him and the rest of Scott Roth’s troops. So game bloody on!
Game Four was decided by just two-points. Game Three was decided by the same margin. And the margin for Game Two was just the five-points. ‘Delly’, Doyle & Co have largely been inseparable this series which has made it incredibly fun to witness. However somebody will emerge victorious here. Dean Vickerman’s Men haven’t been afraid to put their bodies on the line and go to the rim. Whilst Scott Roth’s Men have defended like their lives have depended upon it. In Game Four alone Tasmania converted 17/19 FTs, as opposed to United who went just 8/14 from the line. However Melbourne in comparison converted 10 threes at a 43% conversion rate versus the ‘Jackies’ who made just seven at a 30% clip.
Both teams have their major strengths and they will undoubtedly be at work in this spicy winner takes all encounter. Milton Doyle collected as many rebounds last time out as Melbourne Centre Aerial Hukporti did, six. But then in comparison Ian Clark scored 18PTS off the bench for United, more then Doyle and Anthony Drmic did as combined starters for the hosts, 14PTS. For these two quickly developing arch-rivals it’s all about ensuring that they do the good stuff great and cleaning up the more error or flakey aspects of their game plans.
Before going down to Tasmania at home, Melbourne had prevailed in their last nine straight games at John Cain Arena. That being a venue that has played witness to six United championship banners hoisted aloft within it. However this is Tasmania’s second Grand Final series in just their fourth campaign of existence. That as they have won nine of their last fifteen road clashes and six of their last eight when United have hosted.
You can just never write off Melbourne no matter what position they may potentially find themselves in. Winning oozes through their DNA. And as much of a Cinderella story it would be for the ‘Jackies’ to clinch the Grand Final, their chance to do that was lime time out in ‘Tassie’. This is Melbourne’s time and unfortunately for the ever passionate Scott Roth him and his Men will have to wait at least one more season for another genuine crack at this. Melbourne to win by five to ten points.
Betting tips: Back United to prevail at $1.45 (BlueBet)
Also back Q1 to end in their favour at $1.65 and for them to have 20+ points during the period at $1.23 (Bet365)
However you can look for Tasmania to score the last points of the game at $1.94 (BlueBet)
And also look for ‘Tassie’ to produce 40+ first half points at $1.31 (Bet365)