NBL Round 18

Singapore v Cairns

The Taipans were humbled by the Slingers on their home court back in round 14.  Tonight they hope to return the favour in Singapore.

The Slingers defeated Wollongong at home last Sunday (4 days after getting thrashed at home by Perth) 113-102.  Imports Mikes Helms (28 points) and Rod Grizzard (23 points and 10 rebounds) led the way against the Hawks.  Ben Knight (19 points and 11 rebounds) was also impressive.  Their next game is against the Tigers in Melbourne next Saturday.

The Taipans were brought back to earth after losing to the Bullets in Brisbane by 22 points last Saturday (3 days after beating Perth at home).  Import Larry Abney led 3 players in double figures with 19 points (only 6 of which came after the first quarter).  After the round 14 loss and the tight jossle for playoff positions that the Taipans are in, I do not expect complacency in their approach to this game.

I think the Slingers are a bit too short here.  They have not beaten any team twice this season and I do not believe that the Taipans will be the first team that they will achieve this feat against.  I believe there may have been a slight over reaction to the Slingers winning in round 14 and the Taipans getting thrashed by Brisbane (who obviously is not one of the worst teams in the competition).  In their quest for a top 4 finish, as well as inflicting some revenge upon the Slingers, I expect the Taipans to get a comfortable away victory here.  The points total looks about right to me.

Cairns -4.5 at $1.91 (Sportsbook) - 1 unit