The Friday Fast Break
Every NBL match, every week … and quickly.
Perth v Melbourne (Friday, Perth -8.5 to -9.5)
The Wildcats started off their season with a 102-69 molestation of the 36ers in Adelaide while the Tigers came from behind to knock off the Kings and, for all the punters out there, cover. The Tigers shocked Perth the last time these two met in Perth. With Mills and Ubaka looking like they clicked in the second half, I'm going to back them to run the Wildcats close.
Perth by 3
Townsville v Cairns(Friday, Townsville -4.5)
These two met in Cairns last week with the Taipans saluting by five on the back of free-throw shooting (19/19 v 14/19) and rebounding (38 v 28). It was a good effort from the Taipans, who were without starters Alex Loughton and Ian Crosswhite. The Crocs are without big men Luke Schenscher and Russell Hinder as well and I just don't think the Crocs have the depth to compete this year. The Taipans struggle in Townsville but I expect import Jamar Wilson to again dominate. Cairns in an upset.
Cairns by 4
Sydney v New Zealand(Saturday, Sydney -1 to -1.5)
Even without Kirk Penney, the Breakers are good. Really good. They played two on the opening weekend and ran away from the Blaze and then towelled Wollongong. Both were road wins and both signalled New Zealand's intentions not to relinquish their crown. The Kings have Julian Khazzou, who scored 18 points and pulled down 14 boards, but he is a one-man band. Stick with the Breakers early while they continue to be underrated. They should have too much kick for the slow Kings.
New Zealand by 8
Wollongong v Adelaide(Sunday, Wollongong -5 to -5.5)
Both of these teams suffered heavy home defeats in week one and both are likely to struggle through 2011/12. The Hawks defence was a major concern, allowing the Breakers to shoot at 56%, while they struggled from outside the arc, going 6/21. Adelaide were worse. They shot a horrid 40%, turned the ball over 18 times and gave up 38 points off turnovers. Hawk Matt Campbell becomes only the 11th player to reach the 500-game milestone this weekend. That, with home court advantage, should be enough for Wollongong.
Wollongong by 6
Gold Coast v Cairns (Sunday, No Market Available)
There is no betting in this match yet with the Taipans set to play their second match of the weekend. The Blaze would be might disappointed with their 15-point loss to New Zealand at home, where they simply couldn't contain the Breakers in the last-term, losing the period by 14. The Blaze are rightfully viewed as title contenders and even without James Harvey they should put the vinegar on the Taipans.
Gold Coast by 12
Recommended Bets:
Melbourne +9.5 (v Perth) at Sportsbet/IAS
Cairns +4.5 (v Townsville) at Luxbet
New Zealand +1.5 (v Sydney) at Centrebet
