There isn't long to go in the 2016-17 NBL season, but there are still plenty of interesting upcoming games which we preview in our NBL Round 18 betting tips. Begins Friday night!
NBL Round 18 Betting Tips
Illawarra Hawks Vs Cairns Taipans (Friday, February 3rd at 7:30pm AEST)
Coming off a big win against the 36ers, Illawarra will look to capitalise and cement their spot in the 2016-2017 NBL finals. The 36ers have had their ups and downs throughout the season, but they are not playing like the team we expected them to be at the beginning of the season. Regardless, it was a solid win for the Hawks. Rotnei Clarke continues to dominate, dismantling the 36er's defense.
Cairns, meanwhile, simply need to win. They currently sit in fourth position with the Wildcats hot on their heels. Last weekend they enjoyed a very successful double, defeating both the Breakers 94-81 and the Bullets 97-83, so they will have belief they can continue a solid run.
Despite the recent improvements show by the Taipans, Illawarra are one of the strongest team in the league and are a clear contender for the title. They should be able to find victory here.
Tip: Illawarra Hawks at the line (-3.5) - $1.90 at Ladbrokes
Adelaide 36ers Vs New Zealand Breakers (Saturday, February 4th at 5:35pm AEST)
The 36ers losing to the Hawks last weekend is nothing to worry about. They are still four games clear at the top of the NBL ladder and are fully fit with just two rounds of the regular season remaining. After the Hawks managed to contain both Jerome Randle and Nathan Sobey last weekend, we are expecting both players to come out firing against a Breakers whose defensive efforts leave much to be desired.
I’m not sure if New Zealand were told in advance they had a game last weekend, or if they just happened to be in the building. Getting smashed by 27 points (84-57) certainly wasn't the confidence boost they needed this late in the season. When Kevin Dillard joined the team a few weeks ago everybody got excited. He scored 19 and 28 in his first two games and we expected his presence to be the saving grace for the Breakers. However, since Tom Abercrombie is back in the line up now, it seems Dillard might have been just a flash in the pan.
Watch as the 36ers run away with this one.
Tip: Adelaide 36ers at the line (-6.5) - $1.87 at Sportsbet
Sydney Kings Vs Melbourne United (Saturday, February 4th at 7:35pm AEST)
Finally, Gaze’s men have heard our calls and showed up. After starting the season with a severe dominance over the rest of the league, the Kings dropped off. But things are looking much better now. They had a successful Round 17 double, defeating the Bullets by 3 and then enjoying a 84-57 victory over the Breakers. There has been a resurgence of from from Josh Cadee and Kevin Lisch with the pair scoring a combined 61points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists across the two games.
Melbourne aren't having as much luck as they come into this Round 18 battle on the back of a loss to the Wildcats 73-71. Casper Ware found himself in unfamiliar waters, failing to capitalise on his ball usage, scoring just 15 points against his average 23ppg. David Andersen was the shining light with the former NBA player and current Boomer making his long awaited return from injury. Josh Boone is also now officially a member of the Melbourne United roster after being elevated to the active roster in place of Devin Williams.
Melbourne have lost four of their last five games and will need to win at least three of their remaining four if they want to make the finals. With everything on the line for Melbourne we’re expecting this one to be a must watch. Ultimately, however, we think the result will favour Sydney.
Tip: Sydney Kings to win - $1.69 at CrownBet
Melbourne United Vs Illawarra Hawks (Monday, February 6th at 7:30pm AEST)
With both teams on a double this one isn't going to be easy. Surprisingly, the Hawks aren't listed as the favourites and we see that as a huge opportunity. We will take anything over $2 for a Hawks a team who just knocked off the top side and have a 2-1 record against Melbourne this season.
There’s no doubt both these teams first Round 18 games will be tough with Illawarra taking on the Taipans and Melbourne traveling to Sydney to face off with the Kings. Of course, wait and see what happens in those games, but snap up these odds while you can.
Tip: Illawarra Hawks to win - $2.22 at CrownBet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
