The following are previews with betting tips for selected fixtures in Round 1 of the 2024/25 NBL season.
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Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpersThursday September 19, 8:30pm |
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The new NBL season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and jaw-dropping on record and that all begins this Thursday night when at the RAC Arena a determined Melbourne United seek revenge against the reigning champions Tasmania JackJumpers. As it was only earlier this year that Scott Roth’s Men completed their fairytale campaign by edging out the hosts 3-2 in the Grand Final series to solidify their status as one of Australia’s greatest ever expansion clubs. Can Dean Vickerman and his troops atone for their painful series defeat or will the ‘Jackies’ rub further salt into the wound?
The ‘Jackies’ despite being the team with arguably the most heart in the NBL will find it tough to overcome their current injury list against a stacked Melbourne United side brimming with talent. Scott Roth was recently quoted as saying “I’m extremely concerned about the roster in the next six to eight weeks” as per the NBL’s official Facebook account. Sean McDonald being just the tip of the ice berg and the most recent lay off as the Guard suffered an unusual fall in his sides Intercontinental Cup match, suffering an apparent leg issue in the process. In comparison Melbourne won their final Blitz game against Illawarra 106-100 as five players produced double-figure points. Jack White, the former Nuggets Man, led the team with 24PTS, 9REB, 4AST and 2STL. Matthew Dellavedova also had 14PTS and 4AST. With the former ‘Cavs’ Championship winner being part of a Guard rotation including Chris Goulding, Ian Clark, Shea Ili and himself. Tanner Krebs meanwhile joined the team from the Bullets this season after proving to be an incredibly sturdy Aussie player. They just have so much talent it’s ridiculous! Roth will need one hell of a game plan to upset Melbourne, so look away now ‘Tassie’ supporters.
No one expected Tasmania to win the Championship last season but they showed out where it mattered the most. However no more Jack McVeigh after he joined the Houston Rockets will hurt them massively after he hit some clutch shots in the Grand Final series. Meanwhile Milton Doyle even playing at 30% fitness or not at all hurts significantly too as despite his well-documented shooting struggles he became a very adaptable playmaker and rebounder throughout the course of the series, as the ex-Brooklyn Net impacted the game in other ways. The JackJumpers will undoubtedly PUSH and PUSH however Melbourne should be a tad too much for them here.
Betting tips: Look for a strong Melbourne victory at $1.35 (PlayUp)
Also look for them to take out Q1 at $1.61 (BetRight)
And look for the total points scored in Q1 to be at 43 or under at $1.90 (UniBet)
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Perth Wildcats vs South East Melbourne PhoenixFriday September 20, 8:30pm |
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The new season continues to open with blockbuster fixtures as on Friday evening the Bryce Cotton led Perth Wildcats take on the new-look South East Melbourne Phoenix in what should be a packed out house as part of the NBL’s HoopsFest in Western Australia. The Wildcats will be aiming to improve upon their failures in the last post-season and will be fairly certain of collecting an opening day dub over a Phoenix side that are still undoubtedly working through their roster kinks. However South East Melbourne themselves have had a very busy off-season adding former Kings Derrick Walton Jr., Angus Glover, Jordan Hunter in their pursuits of glory. Will it be a Cotton masterclass or a trio of former Championship victors that gets the job done?
Bryce Cotton taking on Derrick Walton Jr. is a battle of two star Point Guards that should undoubtedly go a long way to determining the outcome of this thrilling matchup. Both players have numerous MVP awards and Championships attached to their famous names, however they have vastly different styles of play. Cotton is a shoot-first PG and it never fails to pay off for him as he put up 22.9PPG last season + 4.1APG. Whilst Walton Jr. once led the NBA G-League in assists and during the 2020-21 season for the Detroit Pistons he conjured up 21 assists over the course of just three matches. They will both set the tone for the style of attack that their respective teams orchestrate and with the abundance of attacking power on offer, it’ll probably come down to the team that can pour more points in will win. Neither player is afraid of a challenge and as such we could see some monster performances right here.
When Cotton last faced off versus the Phoenix they won by 12-points away from home and he absolutely scorched them with 21PTS, 4REB and 8AST to his name. Whilst for Walton Jr. his last game in the NBL prior to this off-season and NBL Blitz was his Finals MVP lockdown against the New Zealand Breakers. As the Kings hoisted aloft the trophy courtesy of their 77-69 victory he ended up with 21PTS, 3REB and 6AST. As such picking a winner here is far from easy, however home advantage should see Perth edge this one over the line.
Betting tips: Look for an entertaining Wildcats win at $1.30 (PlayUp)
Also back the Wildcats to win the first half too at $1.43 (BetRight)
And finally pick Perth to win Q4 at $1.75 (UniBet)
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Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney KingsSunday September 22, 2:30pm |
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On Sunday afternoon to end the round the 36ers see themselves pitted against the Kings in what is the ultimate grudge match. Adelaide are another side that have completely revamped themselves in the off-season, no more so then the signing of Montrezl Harrell. His career accolades include winning 2X Gold Medals for America, is a former NBA 6th Man of the Year and he has played for 5X NBA teams including both Los Angeles franchises. How the injury replacement PF/C fares against Brian Goorjian’s defensive schemes should go a long, long way to deciding the outcome of this brutal, hard-hitting affair. Can the Man who averaged 18.3PPG in the NBA just five-years ago lead his new team to success or will Sydney continue their progession under Goorjian?
Harrell was nothing but optimistic in his most recent press conference for Adelaide. He talked about how he’s getting used to the city and has never been overseas before. However in spite of all that the thirty-year-old has achieved throughout his career, one thing is for sure, he’ll get to know the 36ers fan base pretty well from this encounter. They are as rabid and ropable as they are passionate and loveable depending upon how the team is playing. He is a key player in this matchup and will no doubt have to adjust to life quickly given the plethora of talent Sydney will have marking him. Big Men Xavier Cooks (7.8RPG in his last NBL season) and Cam Oliver (10RPG in his last NBL campaign) come to mind as those who will be pitted against the Man who once had a two-year $12-million dollar contract with the Clippers. If he can penetrate them inside and get his boards then the Kings will be in trouble, but if not Adelaide could potentially start their season on a losing note.
Alongside Harrell there is also DJ Vasiljevic, a lights out shooter who whilst currently repping Adelaide, also won 2X Championships whilst with the Kings and he always plays better against his former employers. When he last played them the 36ers prevailed 85-78 and he put up a massive 20PTS, 4REB and 4AST. Those two will do well and look for a concrete 36ers performance, however the Kings should be too strong on this occasion.
Betting tips: Back Sydney to win at $1.26 (UniBet, BetRight)
Also back them to win Q1 at $1.56 (BetRight)
And look for the total points scored in Q2 to be 46+ at $1.79 (UniBet)