The Tasmania JackJumpers will attempt to get the show on the road against Perth, while New Zealand meets the Illawarra Hawks.
Tasmania JackJumpers vs. Perth Wildcats
february 28th 7:30pm
The Tasmania JackJumpers face a stern test when they welcome NBL stalwarts the Perth Wildcats to MyStateBank Arena on Monday night.
The newly anointed JackJumpers have been far more competitive than most would have predicted in their first season of NBL action, and are in the mix to make a push for the playoffs.
But Perth, regardless of its poor recent run of form, will always be tough to beat.
The Wildcats have well and truly dropped off the pace having lost their last three fixtures, but those losses have come against the Kings, Phoenix and Melbourne United – all of whom are vying for top spot on the table.
This, on paper, shapes as an easier for the wounded Wildcats who always know how to bounce back in the face of adversity.
However, injuries and omissions are going to be somewhat of a concern for the Wildcats. Mitch Norton has been deemed a certain non-starter for the Wildcats, while Vic Law will be a game-time decision.
Law has been prolific for the Wildcats this season with an average of 19-points per game, but Perth still has the influence of marquee guard Bryce Cotton.
The American veteran leads the competition with 23.64 ppg and will need to be under a watchful eye from the JackJumpers defence.
His mid-range and three-point shooting make him a pest for any defence to deal with, and it means the Wildcats are still favoured to get the win.
The JackJumpers will definitely put up a fight with Josh Adams (16.33 ppg) leading the charge, but expect the Wildcats to pull away late and cover the spread.
Suggested Bets: Perth Wildcats -4.5 at $1.92
new zealand breakers vs. illawarra hawks
march 1st 7:30pm
A chance to launch into the top three of the NBL standings presents itself for the Illawarra Hawks when they prepare to duel with the New Zealand Breakers on Tuesday night.
The Hawks have compiled three wins in their last four fixures, with their only loss coming against a hot JackJumpers outfit.
New Zealand, meanwhile, is trying pierce through the storm of a tumultuous year of fixture changes and being away from home again.
Sitting a 4-10 after a one-point win over Tasmania back on February 14 has given the Breakers some hope of steering clear from last place and the market is giving them a sniff in this contest.
The absence of skipper Thomas Abercrombie has been felt hard by the Breakers, even with the signing of Peyton Siva, it has been a struggle.
Chasson Randle has been elevated to a full-time spot on the roster with Abercrombie to spend more time on the sidelines.
The dilemma for the Breakers, however, is going to be finding a winning score against a Hawks defence than is vice-like when it clamps down on opposition.
Illawarra has only conceded 75.5 points in its last four games and, with the Breakers having a wretched time of it this season, it is hard to see them posting enough on offence to trouble the visitors.
Suggested Bets: Illawarra Hawks -3.5 at $1.90
