Second up in the NBL for Thursday night in Round 5 is a clash between the Illawarra Hawks and the Cairns Taipans. Both teams will be desperate to secure a win to gain some NBL24 momentum, which should make for a great contest. 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 season, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content. Alternatively, you can find all of our NBL Round 5 best bets here.
NBL24 Round 5 Preview & Betting Tips
Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT, October 26th, WIN Entertainment Centre
Expectations were a lot higher for the Illawarra Hawks heading into NBL24, but so far it’s been nothing but disappointment for last season’s wooden spooners. The Hawks enter Round 5 with a 1-4 record which has them sitting on the bottom of the standings.
Last time out the Hawks fell at home to United by 10 points (91-101) to make it three losses on the spin. Alarmingly, that was the third time from five games that they’ve given up 100+ points, which is the most of all teams in the competition.
In order for the Hawks to improve and start winning games more regularly, import Justin Robinson will have to find some form. He’s had three horrible games in a row, scoring a combined 25 points on 6-30 shooting, and it’s no coincidence they’ve lost all three of those games.
Coming into NBL24 with almost a brand new roster, the Cairns Taipans would be happy with how they’ve begun the season. They dropped their opening game on the road against the Breakers, but bounced back with wins against the Phoenix and the Bullets to enter Round 5 at 2-1 and in fourth spot in the standings.
The Taipans missed both Rounds 3 and 4 of the NBL due to their NBAxNBL commitments, however they’ll be making up for lost time over the next couple of weeks where they have a very busy schedule.
Importantly, the Snakes will almost have their full roster available in Round 5 after a couple of key cogs missed their opening couple of games. Captain Tahjere McCall was on a minutes restriction last time out against the Bullets but should be ready to take on his full work load on Thursday night.
Match prediction: Like all teams, the Taipans dominated the Hawks in their matchups in NBL23, sweeping them 3-0 including a 96-89 win at the WIN Entertainment Centre in January. However, as mentioned above the overall expectation is that the Hawks are a better team this season even if we’re yet to see it.
And even if the Hawks are better than they were 12 months ago, their current form certainly doesn’t warrant favouritism in this matchup with the Taipans, which is where the odds currently stand. With that said, I’m happy to place a small wager on the Taipans to win on the road on Thursday night.
Cairns Taipans to Win
$2.10 (1 Unit)
