NBL Round 20

West Sydney v Townsville

Having suffered narrow losses to the Crocs in rounds 1 (at home by 2 points) and 6 (in Townsville by 3 points), the Razorbacks will be hoping to avoid a season series sweep against them on their home court tonight.  The Crocs will be keen for a win here which will keep them right in the mix for a home playoff game. 

The Razorbacks went down to the Breakers, 95-109, in New Zealand 7 days ago.  Import Darnell Hinson led 4 players in double figures with 26 points.  Their interior defence was poor in this game and it will need to pick up if they hope to compete with the Crocs.

The Crocs comfortably accounted for Cairns at home last Friday, winning 120-113.  Kelvin Robertson led the way with 37 points on 12 from 18 shooting (which included 7 of 10 from behind the three point line).  Import Corey Williams also provided good support with 28 points.  The Crocs next assignment is a home game against the Bullets in 9 days time.

I believe the Razorbacks are a little too short here.  They are at home where they are competitive.  However, they need a miracle to get a playoff spot and I believe that the pressure of having to win all of their remaining games will be too much for them.  The Crocs having plenty to play for also tells me that a play on them is warranted.  The points total looks to be on the mark to me.

Townsville $2.05 (Lasseters) - 1 unit
Townsville +1.5 at $1.93 (Sports Acumen) - 1 unit

New Zealand v Perth

Two teams who have yet to play against one another this season square off tonight with the Breakers hosting the Wildcats.  The Breakers will be eager for another home win to try and get a better position within the top 8 whilst the Wildcats will be keen to hold onto 4th position on the ladder.

The Breakers cruised to a 109-95 victory at home against West Sydney last Thursday.  Phill Jones top scored with 22 points off the bench.  Kirk Penney also contributed 21 points and import Derrick Alston, who was very impressive when passing out of double teams, had 21 points on 8 from 11 shooting and 11 rebounds.  The Breakers are still likely to be without big man Tony Ronaldson (Achilles) so they will need another solid game from Alston against the big frontcourt of the Wildcats.

The Wildcats went down 88-84 against the Blaze on the Gold Coast last Saturday (one day after beating the Bullets in Brisbane).  Shawn Redhage top scored against the Blaze with 24 points.  Alex Loughton will not play in this game as he got suspended for one game for striking Bullets forward Dillon Boucher.  This is quite a blow for the Wildcats as Loughton has been in pretty good form of late.

I initially thought that the Breakers were a touch short here.  However, when considering the absence of Loughton and the fact that the Breakers only have one more home game after this as well as having a lot to play for, I find the line betting hard to argue with.  The points total looks about right to me.