The four playoff spots for the 2017/18 NBL season have officially been claimed! However, the order of these teams are far from set, which will make for some fierce games in the final rounds of the season, with Melbourne United, Adelaide 36ers, New Zealand Breakers and the Perth Wildcats all fighting for home-court advantage. There’s a huge weekend of action coming up, so take a look below as we preview the key games and provide our NBL betting tips for Round 18!
2017-18 NBL Round 18 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne United Vs New Zealand Breakers (Friday, 9th February, 7:30pm AEDT)
Melbourne United continued their red hot form last round with yet another win. They defeated the Bullets at home by 8 points, making it an incredible 11 wins from their last 12 games. They are 2 wins clear at the top of the standings with 4 games remaining. They have 2 huge games coming up this weekend against the Breakers, with the first one kicking off on Friday Night at Hisense Arena in Melbourne.
The Breakers have managed to turn their form slump around and now find themselves back in second position after their successful week in Round 17. They won both their games, defeating the Hawks twice, both at home and away. With just 4 games remaining for the Breakers they’ll be doing all they can against United in their 2 games this weekend. A top 2 spot is vital in the NBL and they will need to win at least one of their games this weekend to remain in contention.
We are again riding with United this week. They have been in unbelievable form and we can’t see why that won’t continue here.
TIP: Melbourne United at the line (-5.5) - $1.90 at Ladbrokes
Perth Wildcats Vs Cairns Taipans (Friday, 9th February, 9:30pm AEDT)
The Wildcats split their 2 games against the 36ers in Round 17, defeating them at home before losing away in what were both fiery contests. They now find themselves in 4th position and although they’re guaranteed a playoff spot, they’ll be pushing hard in their remaining 3 games to try and claim a top 2 spot. Bryce Cotton has continued to light it up this season for the Wildcats and is the current favourite to take out the league MVP award.
The Taipans season officially came to an end in Round 17 when they lost to the Kings by 7 points at home. They’ve been riddled by injuries to key players all season and will be looking to the future with their remaining games in the season. The Snakes have been the worst travelling team in the league this season and have managed just 2 wins from 12 games and will come up against the reigning champions this weekend.
We are going with the Wildcats to cover a large line this week. They still have a lot to play for and will come out with a lot of intensity on Friday Night.
TIP: Perth Wildcats at the line (-10.5) - $1.91 at CrownBet
Illawarra Hawks Vs Adelaide 36ers (Sunday, 10th February, 3:00pm AEDT)
The Hawks are another team that had their season come to an end in Round 17 after losing to the Breakers both at home and away. They have another double game weekend, where they finish off at home against the 36ers. The Hawks are one of the worst home teams in the league with a 7-6 record and will play their final home game of the season on Sunday.
The 36ers split their 2 games in Round 17 against the Wildcats. They have now secured a playoff position and will undoubtedly be shifting their focus to claiming a top 2 spot. The have just 2 games remaining this season and will play their final road game against the Hawks this weekend.
We are again taking the favourite to cover the line here. The Hawks officially have nothing to play for, whereas the 36ers are gearing up for the playoffs. We expect the 36ers to take care of business on the road.
TIP: Adelaide 36ers at the line (-1.5) - $1.87 at Sportsbet
