The Friday Fast Break: Week 7
Melbourne v Perth (Friday, Melbourne +1.5)
The most important game of Heritage Round sees the Tigers host the Wildcats in a clash that will have playoff ramifications down the line with both teams 5-2 and second and third respectively. I throw my hands in the air with the Tigers. They totally butchered the Crocs game last week when blowing an 11-point lead and rebounding is a worry. The use of Patrick Mills is also questionable. Perth are more consistent and should win a major edge on the boards. Expect a big game from Shawn Redhage as the Wildcats go to make it 9 of 11 against the Tigers.
Gold Coast v Townsville (Saturday, Gold Coast -8.5)
Eddie Gill was just magnificent for the Crocs in the second half against the Tigers. He lifted Townsville from a 9-point half-time deficit to win the game off his own back. I like the Blaze a lot this year but they are going to have to watch Gill, a possible smoky for league MVP. No bet.
Adelaide v Melbourne (Saturday, Adelaide -1)
While I have little idea about Melbourne this year, one team I do have a grip on is the 1-5 Adelaide 36ers. The assessment: they really do suck. Aside from one shock upset win over Perth, have struggled throughout the season, getting flogged twice by the Kings, such is their plight. Melbourne have won seven straight against Adelaide and should make it eight. If Mills can either starting hitting the three-ball or the Tigers offense picks up in tempo, this could get ugly.
Cairns v New Zealand (Sunday, Cairns +4)
The paths for last year’s NBL Grand Finalists have been divergent this year with the Breakers back on top of the ladder despite losing Kirk Penney while the Taipans are struggling with a 3-4 record. Scoring is still a major issue for Cairns and it is hard to see them keeping the Breakers to a low enough tally. The Breakers by plenty.
Wollongong v Perth (Sunday, Wollongong +2.5)
Gordie McLeod’s Hawks this year have been most disappointing at home, going 1-3, defeating only Adelaide on their once-feared home court. Larry Davidson is having a nice year but if Kevin Lisch continues to play at the elite level he is then the Hawks are going to be outclassed. This year Wollongong look like an honest team but they certainly aren’t at the level of the Wildcats.
Recommended Bets:
Perth -1.5 (v Melbourne) at Centrebet
Melbourne +1 (v Adelaide) at Centrebet
New Zealand -4 (v Cairns) at Centrebet
Perth -2.5 (v Wollongong) at Centrebet
