The NBL24 Play-In Tournament begins on Wednesday with a double-header. The first game is the Seeding Qualifier between the Tasmania JackJumpers and the Illawarra Hawks. We bring you our full game preview and best bet below!
Also, we’re providing previews and expert betting tips for every game of the NBL24 playoffs, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
NBL24 Play-In Tournament Preview & Betting Tips
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks
Wednesday 5:30pm AEDT, February 28th, MyState Bank Arena
Game scenario
The winner of this game will progress to the semi-finals and will take on the Perth Wildcats in a three-game series. The loser will get a second chance and will host the winner of the Sydney Kings vs New Zealand Breakers. The winner of that game will then take on Melbourne United in the semi-finals.
Game preview
Slightly flying under the radar again in NBL24, the Tasmania JackJumpers have secured yet another top four finish. Their 16-12 regular season record was identical to their record in NBL23 when they bowed out in the semi-finals, and only one win worse than their 17-11 record in their inaugural season in NBL22 where they finished as the runners-up.
The JackJumpers struggled to build any meaningful momentum throughout the majority of the NBL24 regular season but were able to close it out in style with a four-game win streak. In fact, they were impressive over the final six games with a 5-1 record, defeating the two teams above by double-figure margins during that span.
A picture of consistency, the JackJumpers give it their all on a nightly basis and have not lost a game by more than eight points for this entire NBL season. And now entering their third straight finals campaign, the JackJumpers will feel confident they can do some major damage and potentially secure their maiden NBL Championship.
Also heading into the finals after a strong finish to the regular season are the Illawarra Hawks. They were victors in five of their last seven games which saw them secure an all-important top four finish.
It’s quite crazy to see how far the Hawks have come since Justin Tatum took over the coaching reigns earlier this season. Previous coach Jacob Jackomas guided the Hawks to only five wins from 37 games in charge, while Tatum has already led the Hawks to 12 wins from only 19 games.
Not only have the Hawks been winning plenty of games under Tatum, they’ve also been going toe-to-toe against the best in the league. Amazingly, they won all three games against the second-placed Wildcats, and also came close to knocking off the ladder-leading United in the final game of the regular season.
Prediction: This has all the making of an epic contest, especially considering what transpired in their most recent matchup in Round 15. The Hawks came away with a one-point win in Tasmania in double overtime on that occasion, and there was some crazy shot-making happening for both teams in crunch time.
However, the JackJumpers still won the season series 2-1 which included two wins by double-figure margins, one at home and one on the road. The JackJumpers also have far greater experience in the post-season compared to their counterparts and will be confident they can grind out a win on their home deck.
After their dominant finish to the regular season, I believe the JackJumpers are primed to make a huge push in the NBL24 finals, beginning with a big win on Wednesday night.
Tasmania JackJumpers -4.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
