NBL/WNBL - Rd 8

WNBL : 5-3

NBL : Illawarra -4.5

Josh Childress returns for Sydney and as a result many people are already predicting a turnaround in Sydney's fortunes, however I don't see it being so easy for the Kings. They catch the Hawks after a rather bad run of defensive efforts that has seen them drop 3 of their last 4 games. There has been a lot of talk out of the Hawks camp this week about resurecting the defence of earlier in the season with particular focus on shutting down Childress and Kings big man Julian Khazzouh. If the Hawks can curb the influence of both of them then they cover this spread. Illawarra have performed quite well in 4 home games this season comfortably defeating Cairns and New Zealand whilst pushing Perth all the way in two narrow losses. 

Sydney aren't the calibre of Perth, Cairns or NZ even with Childress in the lineup, Hawks should get this done. 

OOO so close with the prediction.. Nice start buddy to your week as well mate.. Glad we both hit tonight mate.. 

I think it's about right. Conklin is actually back as the rest of his ban was suspended. That is factored into the line as well as the home court advantage and we have ended up at 4.5 which is pretty close to where I have it. I think Melbourne will win but I'm not settled on a play for the game just yet.

WNBL : 5-3

NBL : Melbourne 1Q -1.5

There's a few reasons I think this bet is the best value for this game. The first and most obvious is that the league leading Tigers got embarrassed only 6 days ago on their home court by the bottom placed Crocs. The second is that they are currently on a 3 game losing streak and risk losing top spot with another bad performance today. Thirdly the Crocs have been slow starters in their 3 home games to date scoring less than 20 points on each occasion and losing their first quarters by an average of 10.5 points. I'm predicting the Tigers will come out of the blocks hard and win the first quarter comfortably.

Great to hear we're on the same page mate. 

This was an easy one for me to pick. The Taipans have shown some very good form over the past few weeks beating Melbourne and almost upsetting the Wildcats in Perth last week. They possess a very settled, well drilled, defensive unit who are undefeated at home this season. Their opponents, Adelaide, have also played some good ball in the past few weeks but they have played most of those games on their home court. The Sixers are 1-3 away from home losing by an average of 13.5 points. Once again they will rely on Jerome Randle to control the game however I can't see that being enough to stop this inform Taipans outfit.

As a Wildcats fan I hate going against my team but it's hard to ignore the good form of the NBL's form team, the Breakers. Since Cory Webster returned from NBA trials the Breakers have been ruthless dropping just 1 game, a 1 point heartbreaker at Melbourne. NZ matchup very well with Perth but will need to be on their toes to stop Casey Prather who has been in awesome form over the past few weeks. Damien Martin returns which should help keep Cedric Jackson quiet but questions still remain on how they will stop Webster and also Thomas Abercrombie who has scored 20+ versus the Cats in two games this season.

Nice Freddie. GL to us mate. Also taking NZ as well. Sportsbet had +4.5 for a little extra juice so took it. 

The big improvers of the league are the Perth Lynx who are now owned by the Perth Wildcats franchise. The change in ownership has turned around the WNBL's most underachieving team who are currently in 2nd. Tough one for them today against the reigning champs and the star duo of Batkovich and George. As good as they've been the Fire at home are a force. Perth are yet to play any of the big guns away so today might be a reality check for them. I think the line is about right and I would probably play it up to 7.

No injuries that I'm aware of mate. This will be a play for me. Adelaide at home with a heap of points, the way they've been playing looks to be good value. Will have a look around for the best line then will post the play.

The Lightning have looked a far better team since the arrival of import Kayla Standish and despite being 1-2 in their last 3, they really gave Sydney and Perth a run for their money away from home. Bendigo are very hard to read and have been plagued by inconsistency. They may well still win this match but I believe if they do it won't be by much.

This line is dropping fast so jump on while its at 7-7.5.

Couldn't find anything either mate. All i found was that the Spirit coached called out his team after their loss to Adelaide a few weeks ago so expect them to come out stronger. I just don't have a good gut feeling about this line so I am going to stay away from the spread and go for the 1H over as I think Spirit will try and push the pace because their D hasn't been working to well of late and Adelaide do like to score since Standish joined.