Perth and Illawarra get us underway in the NBL playoffs and it’s followed up by ‘The Throwdown’ between Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The BetDeluxe crew has pivoted its way through both games and highlighted the bets to be on as the playoffs tip off tonight.
Illawarra Hawks @ Perth Wildcats
June 10th 9:30pm
Illawarra and Perth resume hostilities in the first game of the 2020/21 NBL playoffs tonight from the RAC Arena in Perth.
The Hawks locked away its playoff spot with a two-point victory over the Wildcats only a week-and-a-half ago.
A game-high 27 points from starting guard Tyler Harvey led the Illawarra to a 81-79 win.
Harvey then sat out the final game of the regular season as the Hawks went down to Sydney 79-73 but now face arguably the toughest road trip in the NBL; the Wildcats at home.
Perth will have to do it without Bryce Cotton after the two-time NBL MVP was ruled out for the remainder of the season following emergency on a haematoma in his left leg.
Even without Cotton, the Wildcats have had time to adjust without his prowess on the court and have still looked every bit the championship threat they have posed to be all year.
Suggested Bets:
Perth Wildcats -4.5 at $1.90
SEM Phoenix @ Melbourne United
June 2nd 7:30pm
The Throwdown semi-final series commences tomorrow night at John Cain Arena when NBL championship favourite Melbourne United lock horns with cross-town rival South East Melbourne Phoenix.
United produced a 28-8 season record to top the NBL ladder by three games to second-placed Perth, while South East Melbourne scrambled into fourth spot with a 19-17 record.
The season showcased five games between the two teams and United edged ahead with three wins.
Dean Vickerman will be wary of what his rivals are capable of given the 94-83 his United men suffered last time they played the Phoenix.
Melbourne did start the $1.33 favourite on that occasion but was left in the wake of Keifer Sykes’ 26-points and six assists.
While Vickermen’s men have well and truly had themselves geared up for the playoffs, the line does look exorbitant here.
Suggested Bet: SEM Phoenix +6.5 at $1.91
