NBL and WNBL Week #5

WNBL: 4-2

Well we had to wait a few extra days for this game. Not sure why because we usually have a Thursday game but once again, Aussie basketball has some very strange scheduling. Maybe if it was a Public Holiday weekend but nothing. Anyways, Chris Goulding has been ruled out for both Melbourne's games this weekend. They face the Breakers tomorrow night followed by the Hawks. NZ ripped apart the 36ers the other night in what was just a 3 point-a-thon. Much needed win.

This week we have

NZ @ Melbourne 

Sydney @ Cairns

Adelaide @ Perth

Brisbane @ NZ

Melbourne @ Hawks

Cairns @ Sydney

In the WNBL, we only have 4 games this weekend.

Canberra @ Bendigo

Sydney @ Townsville

Canberra @ Dandenong

Melbourne @ Perth.

For some reason, Adelaide get the entire weekend off. Very tough for Canberra to travel to Bendigo and then back up the next day to play Dandenong. In fact, their game vs Bendigo starts at 7.30 on Saturday night and then their next game vs Dandenong starts at 2.30 so around 17 hours from the ending of their first game and start of their next game. Thats tough and against 2 very good teams.

NBL, double header for Sydney/Cairns. That should be interesting. Sydney flying high going 5-0 in their last 5 and Cairns finally getting a road win last week vs the Hawks. First game is at Cairns and then back to Sydney. Some very interesting games this weekend across both leagues. 

BOL everyone 

Sydney Uni Flames @ Townsville Fire: Fire ML 

I don't usually use Bet365 but they are the only book right now that has lines for the WNBL. They have the Fire ML at $1.87 (so basically a PK). I don't see the Fire losing 2 straight at home. Sydney beat them last week in Sydney and although Batkovic is carrying an injury on her ankle, they have other weapons who can win this game for then..

I agree Jive, the actual line is Flames -1.5 at heavy juice but I will happily take the ML at $1.87

Not playing the NBL tonight Jasper, can't back either team right now mate. NZ are pretty bad on the road and Melbourne 0-2 in their last 2 needing a win but missing their main player. 

Damian Martin cleared to play, not sure if he will start or not but regardless, getting Perth at just -3.5 at home vs a young 36ers team that have just traveled across from NZ last weekend, I just  have to take them. Starting 5 should be Prather, Kenny, Martin, Knight and McKay. If Martin doesn't start, than most likely Hire will draw the start. Just have to go with Perth laying such small chalk at home against a team that basically runs their offense on one man. Martin should be able to frustrate Randle which will ruin the 36ers offense. 

Sydney Uni Flames @ Townsville Fire: Over 147.5

These 2 teams met last week, Sydney won 69-68 and only hit 137 points but both teams were on B2B's that night which is tough. Now they have both had plenty of rest before tonight's game and seeing how important this game is for the Fire to win, I expect them to rack up some points and the Flames don't really play much D so this game should be high scoring. Also think Hamson and Batkovic are going to have a great match-up against each other as Batkovic really hasn't come across any players as tall as Hamson. 

My main issue Coach is that Bendigo need to be able to stop Tolo. She is beasting right now. I still think Bendigo can win the game but wouldn't be surprised to see the Capitals win either.

No thoughts buddy, Trice is out for the Taipans which is a massive loss and the Kings as a road fav? Little bit sketchy mate. I can't back the Kings as road fav and especially not in a place like Cairns. 

One thing is for sure Coach, Taipans are a very good team at home and as you know, home court in the NBL is massive mate. I know Trice is out but still think Taipans can challenge the Kings.

Perth up 47-37 late in the 2Q. Lets see what happens 2H.

Perth are missing some key players. They have lost the WNBA player Monica Wright as they cut her after her consistent knee injuries. Tenaya Phillips is out who has been very handy and averaged 8.5 points and Kisha Lee is doubtful as well. Boomers are not known for putting up points on the road. Their TT for this game is hovering around 71. Boomers have 71 or more just 4 times in 20 road games this season and last. I think the Lynx have too many players missing in this game and their offense is going to rely heavily on Mitrovic and Whitcomb. The last game hit a massive 173 yet the line is still just below 150. The last game, the total was 148.5. This will be close IMHO, but i think this total hits around the 138-143 mark.

I really have to stop betting totals in this league. The books get it so close.. What a crazy result. Somehow it stayed under after 93 point 1H.. 

WNBL: 7-2

NBL: 5-2