The Friday Fast Break: Week 9

New Zealand v Melbourne (Friday, New Zealand -8.5 to -9)
Oh my, the Tigers look like they stink without Patty Mills. The Tigers lost at home to the Kings last Friday, getting out-rebounded 33-25 and allowing the Kings to shoot 16/25 in the second half while they went 9/22. The Breakers are an elite shooting team and I would not be surprised to see this blow out to 20-plus.

Cairns v Gold Coast (Friday, Cairns +2 to +3)
Both teams enter this on winning streaks with the Taipans having won two straight and the Blaze three. The Gold Coast are a better team on paper and can get the money here after winning on the road in Adelaide last week. The key to the Blaze's turnaround has been import Adris Deleon, who has 22.33 points over the  last three weeks, getting to the line (19/23) while being safe with the ball (6 turnovers in 4 games). Take the small minus.

Townsville v Wollongong (Saturday, Townsville -5.5 to -6)
Townsville, 2-1 at home this year, return to their own floor for the first time in five weeks. They have been honest on their extended road trip, beating Melbourne three weeks back before losses to Gold Coast and New Zealand. If Eddie Gill can find his stroke after going 4-18 from the field in the last two, the Crocs can win well.

Perth v Adelaide (Sunday, Perth -8.5 to -9.5)
Perth have become a bastard to bet at home, failing to cover big minuses the last two weeks. Adelaide are hopeless and shocked the Wildcats last time. You couldn't bet this game in a million years.

Sydney v Cairns (Sunday, Sydney -4.5 to -5.5)
Cairns have been woefully inconsistent on the road this year, going 2-2, knocking off the Blaze but getting pumped by the Tigers. They beat the Kings by 18 in Sydney two weeks ago but they can't be relied on when travelling. Similarly, you don't want to lay points with the Kings. No interest.

Recommended Bets:
New Zealand -8.5 at $1.90 at Sportsbet
Gold Coast -2 at $1.90 at Sportingbet
Townsville -5.5 at $1.90 at Luxbet