The Friday Fast Break: Week 3
Adelaide v Sydney (Friday, Adelaide -5 to -6)
The 0-2 36ers host the 0-2 Kings in an uninspiring match-up that will do little to arouse the senses. Adelaide should have Adam Ballinger back, which will be a big help. The big worry for Adelaide though is rebounding, after they were smashed 35-24 by the hardly-big Hawks. Julian Khazzou, the league-leading rebounder, should have a field day. A lean to the plus but I won’t be betting.
Wollongong v Gold Coast (Friday, Wollongong -3 to -3.5)
The Blaze have had a very disappointing start to the year but could receive a major boost this week with the possible return of James Harvey, who will play his first game of the year. The problem for the Blaze has been their inability to close out in the final term. They have been outscored 58-36 in their two losses. The Blaze are a dangerous shooting team and match-up well against the Hawks.
Melbourne v New Zealand (Saturday, Melbourne +3 to +3.5)
The Breakers are again the best team in the NBL and for punters the loss of Kirk Penney has been the best thing, New Zealand recording three straight road wins as outsiders. They start favourites against the Tigers but the minus isn’t nearly enough. They will score 100-plus against Melbourne and the speed and athleticism of the Breakers big men should prove too much for the dour Tigers frontcourt.
Townsville v Perth (Saturday, Townsville +6.5 to +8)
The Wildcats have jumped the gates this year with two very impressive wins, both based on their stifling defence. The Crocs have split a series with the Taipans but get their first real acid test this week. Eddie Gill looks a scoring threat for the Crocs but Perth have too much depth. The line is probably about right, maybe a little small. Expect Perth to keep on rolling.
Sydney v Wollongong (Sunday, No Market Available)
The arch-rivals go at it again on Sunday with betting likely to have the Hawks slight favourites. That seems about right. The Hawks’ big weakness this year is their inability to stop the three but Sydney have no outside threats with only Aaron Bruce of any concern. If there is a plus of 3 or more for Wollongong, I’d look to play the plus.
Recommended Bets:
Gold Coast +3.5 (v Wollongong) at Sportingbet
New Zealand -3 (v Melbourne) at Luxbet
