Sports Betting, Sports News, Sports Updates, Australia

Where and When: Wednesday January 7, Distinctive Homes Dome, 7.00pm (ACT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Adelaide 36ers 101-96 Wollongong Hawks, Round 11 2008.
Wollongong Hawks 105-95 Adelaide 36ers, Round 5 2008.
Wollongong Hawks 115-108 Adelaide 36ers, Round 18 2007.

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Season Series
Series tied 1-1

Current Standings
36ers (10-11) sixth, Hawks (9-13) eighth

This is a must-win match for both sides if they hope to secure a place in the top six.

Adelaide currently occupies sixth place on the NBL ladder but is under pressure from the likes of the Sydney Spirit and the Wollongong Hawks.

The Hawks have won their past three, including an impressive seven-point win over the New Zealand Breakers in round 16.

However, Wollongong’s chances of securing a fourth straight win have been dealt a massive blow with both Larry Davidson and Anthony Petrie sidelined with knee injuries.

Davidson is expected to miss a minimum of two weeks but Petrie is a chance to return for Saturday’s road clash against Sydney.

Petrie has averaged 10.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game so far this season while Davidson has averaged 8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds.

The last time these two sides met in round 11 Adelaide big man Adam Ballinger proved to be the difference, scoring a game high 26 points and pulling down 11 rebounds to inspire his side to a thrilling five-point win.

Ballinger has been well supported by fellow big man Luke Schenscher so far this season – Schenscher is averaging 16.3 points and 11 rebounds per game.

With Petrie and Davidson on the sidelines even more pressure will be on the likes of Cameron Tragardh, Dusty Rychart and Glen Saville to have big games if the Hawks are going to be any hope of matching Adelaide’s imposing front court.

Adelaide boasts an impressive 7-3 win-loss record at home so far this season while the Hawks have struggled on the road, winning just two of their 12 games.

Expect the 36ers to make it eight wins at home on Wednesday night with their more potent front court and star import Julius Hodge, who chimed in with 19 points, 11 boards, six assists and two blocks in the round 11 win set to be the difference.

The last three contests between these two sides have been decided by less than 10 points and with plenty on the line expect this to be yet another hard-fought contest.

With this in mind, this punter suggest putting your money on a 36ers’ win by 1-10, offering $2.80.