The following are previews with betting tips for selected fixtures in Round 3 of the 2024/25 NBL season.
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Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ersSaturday October 05, 5:30pm |
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Both the Hawks and the 36ers head into their Saturday night clash with confidence galore as Illawarra have made an impressive 3-0 start to the new campaign, with their average winning margin being twenty-eight points! Whilst Adelaide just collected their first win of the season last time out, a blistering 93-83 win over South East Melbourne at home. An absolutely rambunctious effort which witnessed both DJ Vasiljevic and Isaac Humphries produce 22PTS a piece on 7/13 and 10/15 shooting from the court respectively. Adding further intrigue to this affair is that their last fourteen H2Hs have been split right down the middle at seven wins a piece. So whilst the hosts may be the favourites here, who takes out this undoubtedly thrilling matchup is anybody’s best guess.
What favours Illawarra? During Illawarra’s most famous win this season and their most recent game to date, they arguably shot the Kings right out of the water when it mattered the most. Competing at Qudos Bank Arena they thumped Sydney in Q1, winning 27-15. Then with the game somewhat more in the balance in Q3 they again struck lightning by winning that period 28-20. They showed up consistently when they needed to as has been the common theme under HC Justin Tatum. They were so damn good that all five of their starters score in double-figures led by Tyler Harvey who had 21PTS, closely followed by Trey Kell II with 20PTS. After that Wani Swaka Lo Buluk produced 16PTS, Darius Days had 12 and Sam Froling got 10. Everyone played their role to perfection as Froling pulled in 11 boards and Days 10. So when one starter was taking a rest or struggling with their shots, somebody else was up next and delivered, doing what they had to do. Over five of their last seven games the 36ers have leaked 101, 102, 101, 91 and 96PTS. So if Illawarra can do their thing, just like Adelaide has the potential to do so, the Hawks could also inflict some lethal damage upon them.
What favours Adelaide? Their Big 3 of Kendric Davis, DJ Vasiljevic and Isaac Humphries. In their dominating performance against the Phoenix this round Davis, a former member of the Golden State Warriors, lit up the floor for 21PTS, including going 8/8 from the FT line + 3REB + 7AST + 4STL + 1BLK. And outside of Vasiljevic’s and Humphries’s big games scoring-wise they also conjured up 1REB & 3AST and 6REB & 2AST respectively for the 2X NBL Champion and for the ex-Atlanta Hawk and NBL Rookie of the Year. Together they have the perfect combination of shooting from both inside the arc and outside, in addition to their vision with the ball and rebounding abilities that make them a trio that other teams tremble at the thought of facing off against. And for DJ & Isaac they both have ample NBL experience as well which only helps their case. If the 36ers can get some more momentum rolling in this game, potentially leaving the Hawks shell-shocked in the process then a big score could be on the cards.
Betting tips: When the odds become available back the Hawks to win and to be the team with the highest scoring quarter. And also back Q4 to belong to them. When the odds are updated this section will be updated.
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Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney KingsSaturday October 05, 8:00pm |
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Ironically both the Bullets and the Kings each suffered the taste of defeat the last time they went out onto the floor and both to the Hawks no less. For Brisbane their shining light was the intimidating inside presence of ‘Aussie’ big Man Tyrell Harrison. Going 8/12 from the floor he had 16PTS + 10REB + 3AST + 2STL + 1BLK as he did a bit of everything on both ends of the floor. Whilst for Sydney it was their ‘COOKing’ superstar Xavier who went 9/12 for 22PTS, alongside 12REB and 5AST. Further allure is attached to this encounter via the fact that seven of the last twelve times Brisbane have played the proverbial role of the hosts the matches have been decided by ten or less points. The Bullets need to quickly register a first victory of the season, while the Kings in their conquest for a third Championship triumph in four campaigns need to prove that their dismal performance against Illawarra last round was just a blip on the radar. With plenty to compete for this could be an extremely early candidate for game of the season.
What favours Brisbane? Another question really is what better way for the Bullets to open their account for this season then in front of their loyal supporters? During their most recent performance against the Hawks they showed some competitive signs as after going down in Q1 38-25, they came back strong in the second winning it 35-21. While in their match prior against New Zealand they won Q4 35-19 as they nearly completed the impossible comeback on the road. If they can patch it all together for a consistent four quarter effort under Justin Schueller then absolutely 100% anything is possible. However in order for it to be a chance of happening they’ll need more consistent and concerted efforts from the likes of veterans such as 3X NBL Champion Casey Prather who shot 3/13 vs the Hawks or Tohi Smith-Milner, a 2X Bronze Medal victor with Australia who was a +/- -7 in the same game.
What favours Sydney? In spite of Brisbane having kept some home affairs competitive against Sydney, some others have been absolute massacres. The last three times the Kings have versed them on their home floor they have prevailed 113-102, 116-67 and 102-85! Ex-MVP Jaylen Adams conjured up 26PTS during the most recent meeting, while before that it was Xavier Cooks and Tim Soares who combined for 40PTS in the front court (20PTS a piece). And finally in the third clash Justin Simon ended the game with 23PTS and 8REB to his name. Sydney have superstars galore that can step up to the plate when needed and it remains to be seen if Brisbane have the cattle to thwart that or not.
Betting tips: Back Sydney to win at $1.38 (UniBet)
Also back Sydney to prove triumphant in Q1 at $1.64 (BetRight)
And pick the grand total of points scored in Q1 to be 48+ at $1.81 (UniBet)