It was Belinda Carlisle who sang “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and if non-stop NBL action every day until the early part of June isn’t heaven on earth, I don’t know what is!
As we get down to the business end of the season and the playoffs just around the corner, there’s so much to be excited about.
With the high frequency of games, we’ll be updating our tips on a day-by-day basis, so be sure to check in daily with us as we look to make NBL Round 18 a profitable one.
After getting their groove back with a big win over the Breakers on Wednesday night, South East Melbourne Phoenix will fancy themselves against the Taipans.
So far in season 2021, the Phoenix has won both games against Cairns and will be firm favorites going into this match.
Cairns are currently bottom of the NBL ladder with a shocking 7-21 record, and have lost their past three games – one of them was a 20 point loss to the Phoenix just over a week ago.
With a chance to cement their top-four spot and plenty of strut back from their midweek win, the Phoenix should get it done and the 11+ points is a good value bet.
After a rare loss at home to Melbourne United, the Perth Wildcats face the long plane trip to Brisbane to take on the Bullets.
They should go in favorites heading into this match, but shouldn’t underestimate the Bullets who can still make the top four and have a string of home games towards the business end of the season.
These two sides have met twice this season and are split at 1 win apiece.
It’s rare that the Perth Wildcats lose two in a row, and they should bank the win over in Bris-Vegas.
Illawarra hosts the Breakers at home in what is set to be a fascinating encounter.
Brian Goorjian’s men have won their past two games, including beating the Breakers only two weeks ago down in Tassie.
The Breakers are backing it up from a loss to the Phoenix on Wednesday with the Hawks getting the job done over the 36ers on Tuesday.
Sitting in fourth place on the ladder, the Hawks have been one of the stories of the season and will want to ensure their spot in the playoffs – beating the Breakers on Saturday night will be a good start.
In the second time in eight days, we have another Throwdown on the cards with Melbourne United taking on the South East Melbourne Phoenix this Sunday.
Melbourne United will go in favorites and feel incredibly confident after a huge win over the Wildcats in Perth on Thursday night, the Phoenix will have just under 48 hours to prepare after their hit out with the Wildcats on Friday.
After the Throwdown, Sunday NBL continues with the Sydney Kings play host to the Adelaide 36ers.
Both sides lost their midweek matches, and depending on how other results fare on the weekend either team could find themselves in the top four.
Round 18 of the NBL completes on Monday night as Perth continues their Sunshine State road trip as they head up to Cairns to take on the Taipans.
A clash between last vs second on the ladder is pretty self-explanatory as to who will be favorites, but it’s always worth playing the margins or backing the line.