To think we’ve had to suffer through three out of a possible seven days of the week without any NBL.
Well, never fear! Round 8 of the National Basketball League gets underway this Friday night in what will be the first of six succulent games of Aussie Hoops for the weekend!
Round 8 includes highly anticipated matchup between the Phoenix and Kings and many will look forward to LaMello Ball featuring the Illawarra Hawks taking on the Cairns Taipans on Monday night.
We’ve done all the research you need to find a winner in this weekend of the NBL right here with our tips and preview.
Coming off a much-needed road trip win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Monday Adelaide, the Adelaide 36ers back it up with a trip to Brisbane to take on the Bullets.
The 36ers snapped a four-game losing streak on Monday night and got a serious monkey off their back so they will go into this game with a fair bit of confidence.
For the Brisbane Bullets, they lost their only match last weekend going down to the Taipans in the Sunshine Stoush.
The Bullets are currently 4-5 and sit in fifth spot on the ladder, so getting the W’s is vital if they want to make the finals.
On paper, this seems like an even matchup but expect the Bullets to get the job done on their home court in this one.
The Phoenix host the all-conquering top of the table Sydney Kings at Melbourne Arena this Saturday in what many consider to be the game of the round.
The new kids on the block have had a solid start to their life in the NBL, hardly leaving the city of Melbourne and have a 5-4 record after seven rounds.
It’s hard to tell if it’s been the benefit of playing at home on a regular basis that’s led them to this good start but they are making the most of it.
Many people see the competition as the Kings v the rest this season and they’ve had a fantastic start to the season.
With one loss in the past 10 games, it’s understandable why the Kings are the favourites to win this one but the Phoenix is the kind of team that can get a big scalp on their day, and beating the Kings at home is the kind of game they can do it in.
I’m backing the upset.
The ever inconsistent and multi-killing Cairns Taipans host Perth at the Snakepit this Saturday night and we could be in for a fascinating contest in this one.
Earlier in the season, the Snakes went over to Perth and thrashed the Wildcats in one of the upsets of the year so far.
It would be the Wildcats biggest loss at home in their history.
The Wildcats have had a couple of losses of recent but come off a solid win over the NZ Breakers at home.
In saying that, it’s a big trip for the Wildcats heading to Cairns and I somehow think Cairns are going to make Perth their bunnies.
Back the Wildcats at home.
Things are looking good for Melbourne United who is cleary the in-form team of the NBL at present currently on a five-game winning streak.
Coming off a thrilling “Throwdown” win where they beat the Phoenix by one point they will be fresh for their only game of the round against the Bullets who are backing it up from Friday night.
The Bullets are a bit hit and miss, but can be very competitive but United has too much class and polish and should be able to get the job done.
For value, go with the Bullets to be up at half-time and United to come home with the win.
The 36ers will back it up from Friday night in Brisbane and host the Breakers on Sunday.
Adelaide have been very hard to work out and it’s very much a case of which 36ers are going to show up on the day.
The NZ Breakers have been nothing special this season and couldn’t get the job done over the Wildcats in Perth last week.
It just depends on which 36ers will show up, but I think the line gives enough room for the Breakers to get close to them so happy to take them at the (-4.5).
You’re always going to get great value when watching the Illawarra Hawks play.
The Lamelo Ball show keeps the fans clicking through the turnstiles and has kept the Hawks in the game despite only a 2-8 record this season.
The Taipans are always good value as well, but yet again can be a bit hit and miss at times.
All two of the Hawks wins have been against the Taipans this season and they’ve won both of them in comfortable fashion.
With the Hawks playing on their home court, they (and mostly Lamelo) should be able to give their home fans something to get up and about this Monday night.