It’s been a bloody long, lonely, and somewhat frustrating wait but the NBL is back for a huge summer of hoops in 2021-22.
Season 2021-22 begins with the debut of the new kids on the block the Tasmania JackJumpers taking on the Brisbane Bullets on Friday night and the round finishes with a highly anticipated blockbuster between traditional rivals Melbourne United taking on the Sydney Kings.
Each week, we’ll be picking our three best bets ahead of each NBL round to ensure the Neds Punters have a solid FILL UP.
A new team, new dreams, and plenty of contenders for the top prize strap yourselves in and let’s rip into our NBL Round 1 Tips and Preview
The Apple Isle is abuzz as the JackJumpers make their debut in front of a mad-keen Tassie crowd against the Brisbane Bullets on Friday night.
Reading the form of a brand-new team is always hard, but in the pre-season NBL blitz, they managed two wins and two losses – but were thumped by the Wildcats to the tune of 30-points to finish off the tournament.
As expected, the Brisbane Bullets will go into this game as favourites.
With a new coach and new imports, Bullets fans will be hoping the team can make the finals after one appearance in five years.
They would love nothing better than to open the account with a big win on the road against the debutants, but expect the JackJumpers, along with a passionate home crowd to have a decent crack.
We’ll take the home team at the line.
When it comes to having a punt on the NBL, there’s a golden rule – ALWAYS BACK THE WILDCATS ON THEIR HOME COURT.
The Perth Wildcats have qualified for the playoffs for 35 straight seasons – in which no other club in professional sport can match around the world.
Their home court advantage plays a major role in it.
It’s a new era in Perth, with a new coach in Scott Morrison (not that one), a new owner in Craig Hutchison and a number of new imports that will give the Wildcats a new look this season.
Despite a few injury woes with vice-captain Mitch Norton ruled out until January and Todd Blanchfield still getting back to match-fitness, the Wildcats should still get the job done against the 36ers on Friday night.
Adelaide has also had a fair bit of change with a new coach and roster overhaul, but you just can’t see them upsetting the Wildcats at home to begin the season.
Take the Wildcats 1-10 points for a bit of a value.
With the news that Melbourne United’s key man Chris Goulding will be out of their season opener against the Sydney Kings, the money is very much on the home team to get the job done.
Despite being last season’s champions, United will be missing finals MVP Jock Landale, Mitch McCarron, and import Scotty Hopson along with Goulding.
However, you’d be kidding yourself to write off last year’s best team – the one that had a 28-8 campaign, even if playing on the road and the prospect of a Matthew Dellavedova debut for Melbourne is something to get around.
You’ve simply gotta take them at the underdog odds, and let the Delly show commence.
On Saturday, South-East Melbourne Phoenix will host the New Zealand Breakers at John Cain Arena in the standalone game of the day.
Sunday will treat us to a triple-header of action where the Adelaide 36ers will back it up by hosting the Illawarra Hawks at home, into the highly anticipated Kings v United clash and the round will be completed when the Perth Wildcats take on the Cairns Taipans.
Make sure you check out Neds comprehensive range of top-value NBL markets over the weekend.