Round 8 of the 2022-23 NBL season kicks off Thursday night with a crucial clash between the Perth Wildcats and the Adelaide 36ers. Two of the big clubs of the NBL competition who have yet to hit their straps this season which should make for a great contest.
Greg Davis returns with his preview and NBL betting tips for the Wildcats vs 36ers.
Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers Betting Tips
RAC Arena, Perth, Thursday 9:30pm AEDT
It is a bit early for a “must win” game in the 2022-23 NBL season.
So, let’s settle for this Thursday’s clash between Perth and Adelaide at RAC Arena being a “must-ish win” for both clubs.
The Cats and Sixers are two of the teams in the mid-table logjam after Round 7 with the Phoenix, Jackjumpers and wildly inconsistent United also trying to claw their way up the ladder to stay in touch with the humming top three of Sydney, New Zealand and Cairns.
Perth have recovered somewhat from a highly uncharacteristic four-game losing streak that prompted the tiniest of tiny violins to playing across NBL clubland.
The Wildcats have won their last two outings to move to a 5-5 record with import Brady Manek finding his feet in the league as well as his impressive shooting range while Boomers forward Todd Blanchfield has also found some form.
Perth finished over the top of South East Melbourne last Thursday night in their first outing since the FIBA break after beating the 36ers in Adelaide on November 5 before the competition went into hiatus.
That 94-89 victory over Adelaide featured a stirring 32-26 fourth quarter from the Cats but it was also the last appearance in a 36ers jersey by import Craig Randall who parted ways with the club soon after following a tumultuous time in the NBL.
Since his departure, the 36ers have look more settled and more at peace.
They beat United in Melbourne last Thursday night and then travelled to New Zealand where they lost by six points to the second-placed Breakers who were lifted to victory by the heroics of import guard Barry Brown Jnr.
Don’t be too discouraged by that result from the 36ers. Their offence is finding its groove with Randall gone and imports Robert Franks and Antonius Cleveland seeing more of the ball.
They won’t be intimidated by heading to RAC Arena where the Wildcats are 3-3 this season. Adelaide head coach CJ Bruton loves going there to upset the home side and will have his team primed for the road trip that is not that arduous from the South Australian capital.
The Sixers cannot afford to drop to a 4-6 record and give ground to the chasing pack. They have too much talent at their disposal.
RAC Arena is not the fortress it once was for Perth who have steadied without being spectacular.
It’s time for the real Adelaide to stand up and where better than Perth.
Alternative Bet: Total points under 175.5 - $1.90 at betr
Adelaide 36ers by 1-10
$3.50
