NBL Round 20

Singapore v South Dragons

This game could go a long way towards deciding who gets the wooden spoon with the Slingers hosting the Dragons.  The Dragons got a 10 point victory when these two teams met back in round 10 in Melbourne. 

The Slingers were comfortably beaten by the Tigers in Melbourne last Saturday, 82-115.  Import Rod Grizzard led 4 players in double figures with 21 points.  A matchup against the Kings in Sydney in 10 days awaits the Slingers.

The Dragons went down 89-91 to the Hawks in Wollongong last Friday (2 days after getting smashed by the Kings in Sydney).  Import Bakari Hendrix led 6 players in double figures with 18 points.  Assistant Coach Guy Molloy will be running the team tonight as Coach Shane Heal has remained in Australia after he had surgery on his ankle last week (which could be a blessing in disguise).

The Slingers look a little short here to me.  Neither team has exactly been setting the world on fire at the moment but given how close the Dragons came to getting the win in Wollongong last game I expect Coach Molloy to get his troops over the line here and break their drought.  The points total looks to be on the mark to me.

South Dragons +3.5 at $1.91 (Sportsbook) - 1 unit
South Dragons at $2.37 (Bet Choice) - 1 unit

Melbourne v Brisbane

The Tigers host the injury ravaged Bullets in a game that can essentially seal a top 2 finish for them heading into the playoffs.  The Bullets will be hoping to win the season series against the Tigers after they narrowly beat them at home in round 14.

The Tigers comfortably defeated Singapore at home last Saturday, 115-82 (3 days after defeating the 36ers in Adelaide).  Dave Barlow led 6 players in double figures with 24 points.  Import Dave Thomas made his first starting appearance since returning from a knee injury and contributed 10 points on 5 from 6 shooting in 25 minutes of court time.  The Tigers will be keen to build on their 4 game winning streak here.

The Bullets lost at home to Perth by 10 points last Friday, 95-105.  Brad Williamson top scored with 22 points.  The Bullets will be without Captain Sam Mackinnon (knee) for the rest of the season and defensive specialist Dillon Boucher (groin) for an extended period of time.  Import Ebi Ere arrived back in the country yesterday and CJ Bruton (ankle) is expected to defy medical advice and take his place in this game.  The likes of Craig Bradshaw, Justin Brown and Mick Hill will need to step up in the face of these injuries.

I believe the Tigers will get a reasonably comfortable victory at home here.  The line betting seems about right to me.  The points total looks a little high to me.  However, when considering the rapid rate that Ere and co can pile on the points at, it is hard to argue with and I will not be getting involved here.

Sydney v Wollongong

The Kings host the Hawks and will be looking to sweep the season series against them after out-lasting them in rounds 13 (7 points in Sydney) and 17 (7 points in Wollongong).  The Hawks will be hoping to build on the 2 game winning streak that they take into this game. 

The Kings punished the South Dragons at home last Wednesday, winning 106-72.  In a game where all 12 players got on the scoresheet, Mark Worthington top scored with 18 points.  A tough assignment against the Wildcats in Perth this Saturday awaits the Kings.

The Hawks edged out the South Dragons at home last Friday, winning 91-89.  Cameron Tragardh (22 points), import Kavossy Franklin (20 points) and Mat Campbell (17 points) were the main contributors.  A home game this Friday against Melbourne awaits the Hawks.

I believe the Kings will get a win here.  I do believe that the Hawks will make it quite tough for them though.  The Hawks have been playing every game of late like it is their last and whilst the Kings will be keen to get the season series sweep I believe they may take the foot off the pedal in the fourth quarter when a win will look safe for them and as they will start thinking about their matchup against the Wildcats on Saturday.  The Points total looks about right to me.

Wollongong +15.5 at $1.91 (Lasseters) - 1.5 units
Wollongong at $10.35 (Sportsbook) - 0.5 units