NBL Week 2, Tips and Previews
Hawks v Phoenix
October 6th
After a disappointing loss last week, Illawarra will be primed to set the record straight on their home court. Tyler Harvey was wayward in his shooting, but that shouldn’t be an indication of the season ahead, and he should be a threat against the Phoenix. The Hawks will have an emphasis on defence after a lacklustre performance last week and will need it against a Phoenix team welcoming back star import Zhou Qi.
It’s been a horror run of injury-outs for the Phoenix to kick off the season, but that didn’t hold them back from an inspirational win last week, thanks largely to the efforts of captain Kyle Adnam who posted 30 points along with 23 from veteran Mitch Creek.
They will take plenty of confidence from a win with a decimated team, but it’s a tough ask to take on an Illawarra team with a point to prove.
SUGGESTED BET:
Illawarra -3.5 @ $1.85
Breakers vs. JackJumpers
October 7th
It’s trite to suggest a loss can bring positives, but that was precisely the case for the Breakers in a gallant overtime defeat at Melbourne’s hands last week.
Imports Dererk Pardon and Barry Brown jr showed their worth with solid games and look set to be an impactful duo for the season ahead.
If Pardon can continue his impressive work off the glass, Tasmania will have limited opportunities.
The JackJumpers were the romantic story of last season but suffered a reality check from Cairns last week. Most worrying was the 39 points conceded in the third quarter to go with some subpar shooting, and Tasmania has to go back to the drawing board. Jarred Bairstow is one JackJumper who has to steady the ship if they are to return to last year’s dizzying heights.
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SUGGESTED BET:
Breakers Win @ $1.40
Kings vs. Bullets
October 7th
The Kings have launched their title defence in style and look set to be right in the hunt again this season. Derrick Walton Jr seems to have taken the right attitude from the NBA to the Australian league with 32 points and eight assists, while Xavier Cooks and DJ Vasiljevic seemed to relish their support roles.
The Kings face a determined Brisbane team that has finally got NBA veteran Aron Baynes on the court after an extended injury absence. Baynes looks set to be a solid physical presence in the Brisbane line-up. Baynes may have the profile, but for now, it’s Devondre Walker and Nathan Sobey running the show for the Bullets. But this is a tough ask on the road against an NBL powerhouse, and Sydney will likely get the spoils here.
