The Friday Fast Break: Week 15

Perth v Gold Coast (Friday, Perth -6.5)
Though Gold Coast have beaten Perth twice this season, a dip in form in losing two straight has Perth as the team to beat. Turnovers will be key here. The Blaze are very loose with the ball while the Wildcats force turnovers better than any other team. This will be close but a slight lean Perth without recommending a wager.

New Zealand v Adelaide (Friday, New Zealand -9.5)
Get ready for a shootout with the two most freewheeling offenses in the NBL taking each other on in New Zealand on Friday night. The Sixers can keep this reasonably close with Daniel Johnson shaping as a real key. I'm nervous but the plus is the bet here.

Wollongong v Cairns (Friday, Wollongong +2)
Don't rule out the 0-0 draw in this one with both teams very much defence-oriented. The Taipans have been okay on the road and are coming off an away win in Adelaide. Cairns should win but no play.

Townsville v Sydney (Saturday, Townsville -5.5)
Very keen on Townsville here, who have rolled the Kings twice. Luke Schenscher should win the battle of the big men against a struggling Julian Khazzouh and guards Peter Crawford and Eddie Gill seem to bring out their best for Sydney. Take the minus.

Melbourne v Gold Coast (Sunday, Melbourne -1.5 to -2)
Melbourne beat Gold Coast only two weeks ago up on the Sunshine Strip and they face a team who was in Perth only two nights before but I can't recommend a play in a Tigers game, no matter how good a play Melbourne look. No bet.

 

Adelaide +9.5 at Centrebet at $1.91
Townsville -5.5 at Sportingbet at $1.90