Sports Betting, Sports News, Sports Updates, Australia

Where and When: Wednesday 28 January, Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Perth Wildcats 114-84 Sydney Spirit, Round 18 2009.
Sydney Spirit 101-86 Perth Wildcats, Round 4 2008.
Only met twice

Season Series
Series tied 1-1

Current Standings
Spirit 11-14 (seventh), Wildcats 14-12 (fifth)

This is a must-win match for the Sydney Spirit if they are going to keep their slim finals hopes alive while the Perth Wildcats need to keep on winning if they are going to secure a top-four finish.

The Wildcats were far from impressive in their win over the bottom-placed Gold Coast Blaze at Challenge Stadium last Saturday night – they trailed for most of the first half before eventually prevailing by six points.

Despite being in such scratchy form the Wildcats will enter this match with plenty of confidence given that they disposed of the Spirit by the 30 points in round 18.

Instrumental in that win was forward Shawn Redhage, who scored a game-high 32 points, including 14 in the first quarter to help his side to a commanding 15-point lead at quarter-time.

Shutting Redhage down will be a priority for Rob Beveridge’s men with Graeme Dann likely to be given first crack at Perth’s leading scorer in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this clash.

Dann and possibly Dave Gruber need to be in Redhage’s face all night and not give him the time and space to work his magic.

For the Spirit, big men Tony Rampton and Matthew Knight have been in pretty good form of late – they scored 17 and 20 points respectively in the loss to the Cats in round 18 but received little support.

One man who will need to lift if the Spirit are going to secure a much-needed win is veteran Jason Smith, who connected on just 2-of-11 shots from the field the last time these two sides met.

The Spirit need Smith to knock down his shots early as it will help to spread the defence and allow Rampton, Knight, Gruber, Dann and co. to have an impact inside the paint.

The Sydney side will also need Smith to be on his game defensively as his likely opponent, Peter Crawford was damaging the last time these two sides met, scoring 19 points, including five three pointers.

This match could go either way with both sides not playing particularly great basketball at the moment but Perth’s scoring depth – they had seven players score seven points or more in the win over the Spirit – should prove to be the difference.

With plenty on the line for both teams you would expect this contest to be a tight one, so with this in mind my money is on a Wildcats’ win by 1-10, offering $2.80.

Where and When: Monday 26 January, State Netball and Hockey Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Melbourne Tigers 98-107 South Dragons, Round 13 2008.
South Dragons 108-80 Melbourne Tigers, Round 5 2008.
Melbourne Tigers 134-102 South Dragons, Round 21 2008.

Season Series
Dragons 2-0

Current Standings
Tigers (17-8) second, Dragons (18-6) first

Melbourne has won their past six matches and will be looking to consolidate their place in the top two with a win over ladder leaders the South Dragons at The Cage on Saturday night.

The Dragons have won the two clashes between these two sides this season but the Tigers are a more cohesive outfit now than they were earlier in the season.

The last time these two sides met in round 13 South Dragons skipper Mark Worthington scored 24 points to inspire his side to a nine-point win.

Worthington has been the Dragons’ most damaging player so far this season, averaging 17.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game -stopping him will be a key for the Tigers.

Expect Tommy Greer, who is in the starting five because of his defence and hustle to be given the task of minding Worthington in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this clash.

Worthington and his teammates won’t find it easy to score on Monday night as Melbourne’s defence has kicked into top gear in recent times – they have restricted the New Zealand Breakers to 89 and 85 points in their past two matches.

For the Tigers, star import Ebi Ere has been instrumental in Melbourne’s six-game winning streak and is the man the South Dragons must stop if they are going to make it three wins over the Tigers this season.

Joe Ingles has improved the defensive side of his game this season and looms as the most likely candidate to match-up on the dangerous American.

The Dragons appear to have a slight advantage considering they haven’t played in 16 days while the Tigers have played six matches in 14 days.

However, they shared the minutes around in the win over the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday night with nine players playing 15 minutes or more so fatigue shouldn’t be an issue.

This match could go either way but Melbourne’s stifling defence and scoring depth – they had seven players score eight points or more in the win over the Breakers on Saturday night – should prove to be the difference in what promises to be an engrossing contest.

This punter believes the smart money is on a Tigers’ win by 1-10, offering $2.85.

Where and When: Saturday 24 January, Cairns Convention Centre, 7.30pm (AEST)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Cairns Taipans 78-92 Sydney Spirit, Round 12 2008.
Only met once

Season Series
Spirit 1-0

Current Standings
Taipans (9-15) eighth, Spirit (11-13) seventh

This is a must-win match for the Sydney Spirit if they are going to be any chance of featuring in the playoffs while the Cairns Taipans need to win their last six matches and probably rely on other results going their way if they are going to finish in the top six.

The Taipans have been in pretty good form of late and upset the Adelaide 36ers in round 18.

Cairns’ stifling defence has been instrumental in their success in recent times – they have restricted Adelaide and Perth to just 79 and 77 points respectively in their past two wins.

The Spirit will need the likes of Jason Smith, Graeme Dann and Clint Reed to knock down their shots from three-point land which will help to break down Cairns’ defence and allow Matthew Knight to work his magic one-on-one inside the paint rather than be double teamed.

Cairns has had an even spread of scorers in their past two wins — they had four players in double figures in the win over the Cats and five in double figures against the Adelaide 36ers with veteran guard Darnell Mee leading the way with 19 points.

The Spirit will need to play team defence for the full 48 minutes as anyone on Cairns’ roster is capable of having a meaningful impact on the scoreboard.

These two sides appear to be evenly matched and this contest could go either way but Cairns’ suffocating defence and the home-court advantage gives them a slight advantage in what shapes as being a hard-fought affair between two sides with plenty to play for.

This punter is putting his money on a Cairns’ win by 1-10, offering $2.80.

Where and When: Saturday 24 January, Challenge Stadium, 7.00pm (AWST)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Gold Coast Blaze 129-97 Perth Wildcats, Round 12 2008.
Perth Wildcats 94-80 Gold Coast Blaze, Round 2 2008.
Gold Coast Blaze 69-90 Perth Wildcats, Round 22 2008.

Season Series
Series tied 1-1

Current Standings
Wildcats (13-12) fifth, Blaze (5-20) 10th

Perth has been incredibly inconsistent of late – they upset the South Dragons on the road but then were thrashed by Melbourne at The Cage and lost to the Cairns Taipans at home before thumping the Sydney Spirit by 30 points at home last Saturday night.

It is vital for Perth’s top-four and playoffs hopes that they secure back-to-back wins on Saturday night.

However, it won’t be an easy task as the Blaze humiliated the Wildcats the last time these two sides met in round 12, thumping Conner Henry’s men by 32 points.

Instrumental in the round 12 win was import Justin Bowen who scored a game-high 35 points, including 20 in the third term to blow the game wide open.

When Bowen fires the Blaze invariably go on to win – the American scored 35 points in the Blaze’s win over the Adelaide 36ers in round 16 – 25 of which came in the first half.

Isiah Victor has the height and athleticism to match-up on Bowen while Shawn Redhage is another option.

Redhage scored a game-high 32 points in the win over the Spirit and would force Bowen to expend energy on the defensive end, which in turn would help to limit his impact at the offensive end of the floor.

Keeping Bowen quiet will go a long way towards securing a much-needed win for the Cats as the only other Blaze players that have been consistently having an impact on the scoreboard in recent times have been import Luke Whitehead and skipper James Harvey..

Whitehead will need plenty of support inside the paint as the Cats boast the likes of Alex Loughton, Ben Knight, Victor and Redhage while Harvey is expected to be in for a tough night with underrated guard Peter Crawford to be his likely opponent.

The Blaze showed they can match it with the best in the competition – they went down by just nine points to a red-hot Melbourne side in round 18 and they will undoubtedly battle hard again on Saturday night.

But Perth’s more potent front-court should prove to be the difference between the two sides and they should prevail quite comfortably after a tight first-half.

This punter suggests putting your money on a Wildcats’ win by 11+, offering $1.48.

Where and When: Saturday 24 January, State Netball and Hockey Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
New Zealand Breakers 85-103 Melbourne Tigers, Round 19 2009.
Melbourne Tigers 84-86 New Zealand Breakers, Round 8 2008.
New Zealand Breakers 120-111 Melbourne Tigers, Round 2 2008.

Season Series
Breakers 2-1

Current Standings
Tigers (16-8) second, Breakers (16-8) third

Melbourne is arguably the form side of the competition, having won their past five to move to second place on the NBL ladder.

They will head into Saturday night’s clash against New Zealand with plenty of confidence as they disposed of the Breakers by 18 points.

Star import Ebi Ere has been in red-hot form of late and was instrumental in the win over the Breakers on Wednesday night, scoring a team-high 22 points – 20 of which came in an explosive third term.

New Zealand guard Kirk Penney was equally damaging for his side, scoring 21 of his game-high 28 points in the first term.

But unlike Ere, Penney received little support from his teammates with only Rick Rickert and Tony Ronaldson reaching double figures.

By comparison, the Tigers had four players in double figures while Tommy Greer and Dave Thomas chimed in with nine points apiece.

If the Breakers are going to be any hope of securing a much-needed win they need the likes of Oscar Forman and Phill Jones to step up and have a greater impact at the offensive end while coach Andrej Lemanis will be hoping that guard CJ Bruton returns to form.

Burton has struggled since returning from an ankle injury – he managed just eight points in the loss to the Tigers and gave up consecutive turnovers in the fourth as Melbourne ran away with the contest.

New Zealand is a proud club and will be desperate to atone for their disappointing performance at home but the Tigers appear unstoppable and simply have too much depth and should prevail in what shapes as being a closer contest than the one between these two sides on Wednesday night.

This punter believes the smart money is on a Tigers’ win by 1-10, offering $2.85.

Where and When: Saturday 24 January, Wollongong Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Townsville Crocodiles 104-99 Wollongong Hawks, Round 13 2008.
Townsville Crocodiles 121-113 Wollongong Hawks, Round 10 2008.
Wollongong Hawks 96-74 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 15 2007.

Season Series
Crocs 2-0

Current Standings
Hawks (9-16) ninth, Crocs (14-12) fourth

The Townsville Crocodiles have suffered a major blow ahead of Saturday night’s must-win clash against the Wollongong Hawks at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre with import and leading scorer Corey Williams retuning home to the United States on Monday following a death in the family.

Williams is expected to be back for next week’s clash against the Cairns Taipans.

With Williams unavailable the onus will be on the likes of Kelvin Robertson and Michael Cedar to take over the ball handling duties.

Expect the Hawks to apply a full-court press early and try and force Townsville’s back-up guards into turnovers.

Cedar and Robertson are capable of lighting it up from three-point land and the Crocodiles will need them to be on song to cover the loss of Williams, who averages a team-high 19 points per game.

While the Crocodiles appear to have the edge in the backcourt with the likes of Brad Williamson, John Rillie, Cedar and Robertson all deadly from long range, the Hawks seem to have an advantage inside the paint with Cameron Tragardh, Dusty Rychart, Glen Saville and Anthony Petrie all capable of posting solid numbers.

The Crocodiles have Rosell Ellis and Russell Hinder inside the paint but both struggled to have an impact in Townsville’s loss to the New Zealand Breakers, managing just 12 and six points respectively.

Townsville will need the aforementioned duo to be more aggressive at the offensive end and also crash the boards if they are going to be any chance of securing a vital win that will consolidate their place in the top four.

Trevor Gleeson’s men have won four of their past five matches but the Hawks’ home record – they have won seven of 11 at home this season, the loss of Williams and the fact that Wollongong has a stronger presence inside the paint tips this contest slightly in their favour.

This punter suggests putting your money on a Hawks’ win by 1-10, offering $2.80.

Where and When: Thursday 22 January, North Shore Events Centre, 7.30pm (NZDT)

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Past Three Head-to-Head
Melbourne Tigers 84-86 New Zealand Breakers, Round 8 2008.
New Zealand Breakers 120-111 Melbourne Tigers, Round 2 2008.
New Zealand Breakers 105-91 Melbourne Tigers, Round 21 2007.

Season Series
Breakers 2-0

Current Standings
Breakers (16-7) second, Tigers (15-8) third

This shapes as being a crucial match in determining who will grab the all-important second place on the NBL ladder.

The Breakers will head into this clash with plenty of confidence given that they have already defeated the Tigers twice this season and boast an impressive 9-3 win-loss record at home.

But Melbourne is a different side to what they were earlier in the season – Al Westover’s men have won their past four and are starting to hit their straps at the right time.

The last time these two sides met in round eight New Zealand guard Kirk Penney proved to be the difference, scoring a game-high 25 points to inspire his side to a thrilling two-point win.

Penney is very dangerous from beyond the arc and has the ability to break a game wide open in a five-minute burst.

When Penney has a big game the Breakers invariably win so stopping him will be a major priority for Melbourne.

Expect the versatile David Barlow and Luke Kendall, who has been a solid contributor since joining the Tigers from the Wildcats, to be given the task of minding Penney in what shapes as being a key match-up in determining the outcome of this match.

New Zealand is the best three-point shooting team in the league with Penney, Tony Ronaldson, Phill Jones and co. all capable of lighting it up from beyond the arc.

Therefore the Tigers will need to play uncompressing perimeter defence for the full 48 minutes and prevent New Zealand from moving the ball quickly on offence and creating wide open looks.

For Melbourne, Ebi Ere has been on fire offensively of late and is the main reason why the Tigers have won their past four games.

Like Penney, Ere has the ability to turn a game on its head and needs to be stopped if the Breakers are going to be any chance of winning the season series against the Tigers.

With CJ Bruton coming off the bench as he tries to regain full fitness, Paul Henare has been starting and looms as the most likely candidate to mind Ere while Dillon Boucher is another option for New Zealand coach Andrej Lemanis.

Henare and Boucher need to constantly be in Ere’s face and not give him the time and space to work his magic otherwise he will single-handedly destroy the Breakers.

This match could go either way but the Breakers are well rested given that they haven’t played since January 15.

And it is their fresher legs and the home-court advantage that should see them prevail in what shapes as being one of the games of the season.

Both sides boast plenty of offensive weapons so you would expect this contest to be a high-scoring affair.

With this in mind, my money is on a Breakers’ win and total match score of over 206.5, offering $3.70.

Where and When: Wednesday 21 January, Distinctive Homes Dome, 7.00pm (ACT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Adelaide 36ers 107-104 Gold Coast Blaze, Round 14 2008.
Gold Coast Blaze 96-108 Adelaide 36ers, Round 9 2008.
Gold Coast Blaze 127-118 Adelaide 36ers, Round 20 2007.

Season Series
36ers 2-0

Current Standings
36ers (12-13) sixth, Blaze (5-20) 10th

Adelaide suffered disappointing losses to the Cairns Taipans and the Tonwsville Crocodiles in round 18 and will be desperate to get their season back on track with a much-needed win against the bottom-placed Gold Coast Blaze at home on Wednesday night.

The 36ers won’t have it all their own way though and will need to be on their game in order to come away with a win as the Blaze seriously challenged the in-form Melbourne Tigers last weekend and they nearly defeated Adelaide the last time these two sides met in round 14.

Instrumental in the round 14 win was big man Adam Ballinger who scored 22 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to help lift his side to a thrilling three-point victory.

Ballinger managed just 15 points in the loss to the Crocodiles – well down on his season average of 20.5 points per game.

Expect Ballinger and fellow big man Luke Schenscher, who managed a meagre seven points in the loss to the Taipans to come out firing on Wednesday night.

The likes of Luke Whitehead and Pero Cameron will need to apply immense defensive pressure and keep Ballinger and Schenscher off the glass if the Blaze are going to be any chance of securing their sixth win of the season.

Keeping Ballinger and Schenscher off the glass will be easier said than done as Adelaide is the best rebounding team in the league, averaging 47.2 rebounds per game.

For the Blaze, James Harvey and Luke Whitehead have been the two shining lights in what has otherwise been a disastrous season for Brendan Joyce’s men.

They received good support from Shane Heal and import Justin Bowen in the loss to the Tigers – the pair scored 17 points apiece.

However, both Heal and Bowen tend to be very hot one game and go missing the next.

The Blaze need the aforementioned duo to have solid games offensively if they are going to be any chance of causing a major upset.

The Gold Coast have the offensive weapons to trouble the 36ers and if Adelaide isn’t switched on as they weren’t when they gave up 40 points in the first quarter to the Crocodiles then they will be punished on the scoreboard.

However, this is a must-win match for the 36ers if they are serious about featuring in the playoffs and their more potent front-court should see them prevail in what will be a closer contest than the ladder position of these two sides suggests.

This punter believes the smart money is on a 36ers’ win by 1-10, offering $3.15.

Where and When: Saturday 20 December, Challenge Stadium, 7.00pm (AWST)

Past Three Head-to-Head
New Zealand Breakers 108-94 Perth Wildcats, Round 11 2008.
New Zealand Breakers 103-99 Perth Wildcats, Round 7 2008.
Perth Wildcats 98-85 New Zealand Breakers, Round 22 2008.

Season Series
Breakers 2-0

Current Standings
Wildcats (10-9) fifth, Breakers (14-4) second

Perth returned to the winner’s circle with a double overtime win over the Adelaide 36ers last Saturday night and with eight of their last 12 matches at home they are well placed to make a run at the top four.

Their run of matches at home starts on Saturday night when they take on the in-form New Zealand Breakers.

The Breakers thumped the Sydney Spirit to the tune of 34 points earlier in the week and will enter this clash with plenty of confidence considering they have won the two matches against the Wildcats so far this season.

However, the Cats could have easily won both – scores were tied at 99-all before the Breakers prevailed 103-99 after being given five straight free throws in the dying stages in round seven and then in round 11 Perth led by 13 points after a scintillating first quarter before being overrun.

Instrumental in the Breakers’ come-from-behind win over the Cats in round 11 was point guard CJ Bruton who scored a team-high 22 points.

Bruton runs the show perfectly for the Breakers and is capable of knocking down clutch shots when needed.

Expect Darnell Hinson and Luke Kendall to be given the task of guarding Bruton in what shapes as being a crucial match-up.

If the Cats can deny Bruton the time and space to penetrate and distribute the ball inside to the likes of Rick Rickert, Oscar Forman and Tony Ronaldson then it will go a long way towards securing a much needed win.

For the Wildcats, forward Shawn Redhage returned to form, scoring a team-high 23 points in the win over the 36ers.

He received good support with fellow big men Alex Loughton and import Isiah Victor chiming in with 23 and 15 points respectively.

All three will need to produce similar numbers on Saturday night if the Cats are going to overcome a New Zealand side that boasts plenty of offensive weapons.

Perth has shown glimpses of their best in their two losses to the Breakers this season but they have failed to string together 48 minutes of consistent basketball.

If they can find a way to play team defence for four quarters then they should prevail in what shapes as being one of the games of the season.

This punter believes the smart money is on a Perth win by 1-10, offering $2.85.

Where and When: Saturday 17 January, Challenge Stadium, 7.00pm (AWST)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Sydney Spirit 101-86 Perth Wildcats, Round 4 2008.
Only met once

Season Series
Spirit 1-0

Current Standings
Wildcats (12-12) sixth, Spirit (11-12) seventh

This is a must-win match for both sides if they hope to feature in the playoffs.

These two play each other twice after this game so the season series is also up for grabs and could prove to be crucial in determining the make-up of the top six.

Perth has been very inconsistent this season – they accounted for ladder leaders the South Dragons in round 16 but since then they have suffered a shock loss to the Cairns Taipans at home and were thumped by the Melbourne Tigers to the tune of 27 points.

One positive to come out of the loss to the Tigers was the form of skipper Paul Rogers, who scored 18 points in his second game back from a long-term injury.

Along with Rogers, Alex Loughton was the only Perth big man to have a meaningful impact against Melbourne, scoring a team-high 21 points.

The Wildcats will need a lift from Shawn Redhage and import Isiah Victor, who managed a meagre five points against the Tigers, if they are going to be any hope of snapping a two-game losing streak.

For the Spirit, veteran Jason Smith and big man Matthew Knight have been the consistent performers this season but they will need greater support on the offensive end on Saturday night if they are going to avoid a repeat of Wednesday’s second-half collapse.

Scores were level at half-time but from thereon in the Spirit managed just 32 points as the Tigers cruised to a 99-79 victory.

Perth has five players that average 12 points or more per game and it is their scoring depth that should see them get over a Spirit side that always battles hard but lacks a genuine game-breaker.

With plenty on the line for both sides you would expect this contest to a be a tight affair, so with this in mind my money is on a Wildcats’ win by 1-10, offering $2.75.

Where and When: Saturday 17 January, Wollongong Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Melbourne Tigers 128-101 Wollongong Hawks, Round 14 2008.
Wollongong Hawks 98-109 Melbourne Tigers, Round 20 2007.
Melbourne Tigers 100-88 Wollongong Hawks, Round 1 2007.

Season Series
Tigers 1-0

Current Standings
Hawks (9-15) eighth, Tigers (13-8) third

Wollongong can’t afford any slip-ups in the run home if they are going to be any chance of playing in the playoffs.

The Hawks will head into this clash with some confidence given their record at home so far this season – they boast an impressive 7-3 win-loss record.

However, they face a tough task on Saturday night as they take on a Melbourne side that has convincingly won its past two against Perth and the Spirit and appears to be clicking into top gear at the right time of the season.

Melbourne’s stifling defence was instrumental in its 20-point win over the Spirit on Wednesday night with the Tigers restricting the Sydney side to just 32 points in the second half.

It is vital that the Hawks move the ball quickly on offence and guard Kavossy Franklin attacks the basket at every available opportunity and tries and break down the defence and create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates.

For the Tigers, star import Ebi Ere is currently in stellar form – he scored a game-high 32 points in the win over the Cats and then backed that up with a game-high 25 points in the win over the Spirit on Wednesday night.

Shutting him down is a must for the Hawks if they are going to be any chance of getting a much-needed win with swingman Glen Saville likely to be given first crack at the dangerous American in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this match.

The Hawks are a chance to cause an upset on Saturday night given that the Tigers may come out flat as they will be playing their fourth game in six days but Melbourne has plenty of depth with Luke Kendall, Dave Thomas and Stephen Hoare on the bench.

And it is their depth that should prove to be the difference in what will be a closer contest than many pundits expect.

This punter believes the smart money is on a Tigers’ win by 1-10, offering $2.85.

Where and When: Saturday 17 January, Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, 7.30pm (AEST)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Adelaide 36ers 100-79 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 13 2008.
Adelaide 36ers 109-82 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 1 2008.
Adelaide 36ers 82-92 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 10 2007.

Season Series
36ers 2-0

Current Standings
Crocs (13-12) fifth, 36ers (12-12) fourth

Adelaide missed a golden opportunity to consolidate their place in the top six, going down to the Cairns Taipans by nine points in a low-scoring affair at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday night.

The 36ers will fancy their chances of securing a much-needed win against the Crocodiles on Saturday night as they have already defeated Townsville twice this season but both of those wins came at home and Trevor Gleeson’s men boast a 9-3 win-loss record at home.

Adam Ballinger scored 18 points in the loss to the Taipans but only eight of those came after quarter-time while fellow big man Luke Schenscher managed a meagre seven points, well down on his season average of 17.0 points per game.

Expect both Ballinger and Schenscher to come out firing on Saturday night with Russell Hinder and Rosell Ellis likely to be given the task of minding the dangerous duo.

Hinder and Ellis will need to apply immense defensive pressure and also be aggressive on the offensive end if the Crocodiles are going to secure a vital win.

While the 36ers appear to have the edge inside the paint, the Crocodiles seemingly have an advantage in the backcourt with John Rillie, Michael Cedar, Kelvin Robertson and Brad Williamson all capable of lighting it up from beyond the arc.

The likes of Brett Maher and Brad Davidson will need to play perimeter defence for the full 48 minutes while Aaron Bruce will need to prevent Townsville guard Corey Williams from penetrating and creating wide open looks for his teammates.

This match could go either way but Adelaide’s more potent front-court should prove to be the difference in what shapes as being an engrossing contest.

This punter suggests putting your money on a 36ers’ win by 1-10, offering $4.15.

Where and When: Friday 16 January, Gold Coast Convention Centre, 7.30pm (AEST)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Melbourne Tigers 123-111 Gold Coast Blaze, Round 7 2008.
Melbourne Tigers 92-76 Gold Coast Blaze, Round 1 2008.
Melbourne Tigers 117-102 Gold Coast Blaze, Round 16 2007.

Season Series
Tigers 2-0

Current Standings
Blaze (5-19) 10th, Tigers (13-8) third

Melbourne backed its up big win over Perth with a 20-point victory over the Sydney Spirit on Wednesday night and they have a golden opportunity to further strengthen their grip on a top-four spot when they take on the bottom-placed Gold Coast Blaze on Friday night.

The Tigers have plenty of scoring power with import Ebi Ere and swingman David Barlow instrumental in the win over the Spirit with 25 and 20 points respectively while centre Chris Anstey is set to have a big game after managing just a meagre four points on Wednesday night.

Anstey played a key role in the round seven win over the Blaze with 25 points and eight rebounds and it is vital that Ben Melmeth, Luke Whitehead and co. keep Anstey off the boards if they are going to be any chance of causing a major upset.

For the Blaze, guard James Harvey and Whitehead have played a lone hand on the offensive end in recent times.

Whitehead and Harvey managed 30 and 18 points respectively in the 23-point loss to the Townsville Crocodiles in round 17.

They need greater support from the likes of Pero Cameron, Shane Heal, Melmeth and import Justin Bowen, who tends to either have a big game or go missing completely.

Expect Barlow, who restricted Sydney Spirit big man Matthew Knight to just 14 points to be given the task of minding Bowen in what shapes as being a crucial match-up.

The Blaze were more than competitive the last time these two sides met at The Cage – they led by six points early in the third term before being overrun as the Tigers eventually prevailed 123-111.

However, Melbourne is a more cohesive unit now and they simply have too much firepower and depth for a Gold Coast side that has too many passengers.

This punter believes the smart money is on a Tigers’ win by 11+, offering $2.10.

Where and When: Friday 16 January, Cairns Convention Centre, 7.30pm (AEST)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Adelaide 36ers 107-83 Cairns Taipans, Round 17 2008.
Adelaide 36ers 70-71 Cairns Taipans, Round 8 2008.
Adelaide 36ers 113-104 Cairns Taipans, Round 21 2007.

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Season Series
Series tied 1-1

Current Standings
Taipans 8-15 (ninth), 36ers 12-11 (fifth)

This is a must-win match for Cairns if they are going to be any chance of featuring in the playoffs while the fifth-placed 36ers need to keep on winning in order to secure a playoffs berth and also keep their chances of a top-four finish alive.

Despite losing star import Julius Hodge earlier in the week, the 36ers were able to get wins over Wollongong Hawks and the Taipans.

Instrumental in the win over the Taipans was big man Luke Schenscher, who scored a game-high 24 points and pulled down 16 rebounds to inspire his side to a convincing 24-point win.

Schenscher has been well supported by Adam Ballinger this season, who scored 23 points in the win over the Hawks and with new import Rod Grizzard likely to suit up the 36ers have an imposing front court.

Cairns’ last-start win over Perth was a low-scoring affair and you would think that they would have to turn this match into another scrapfest if they are going to be any hope of securing a much-needed win, especially when you consider that imports Dave Thomas and Larry Abney are no longer with the club and that no player scored more than 15 points in the win over the Cats.

It is vital that the likes of Ian Crosswhite, Martin Cattalini and co. apply immense defensive pressure and crash the boards and that Adelaide guards Brad Davidson and Aaron Bruce are denied the chance to penetrate, break down the defence and create easy scoring opportunities for Adelaide’s big men.

Adelaide has won two of its past three against the 36ers and they will make it three from four on Friday night with their scoring depth set to be the difference between the two sides.

Both sides have plenty to play for so you would expect this contest to be close, so with this in mind my money is on a 36ers’ win by 1-10, offering $2.85.

Where and When: Thursday 15 January, North Shore Events Centre, 7.30pm (NZDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
New Zealand Breakers 88-104 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 12 2008.
Townsville Crocodiles 108-119 New Zealand Breakers, Round 9 2008.
Townsville Crocodiles 97-106 New Zealand Breakers, Round 7 2008.

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Season Series

Current Standings
Breakers 15-7 (second), Crocs 13-11 (fourth)

The New Zealand Breakers have lost their past three and will be desperate for a win here to strengthen their grip on a top-two spot while the Townsville Crocodiles are arguably one of the form sides of the competition, having won their past three matches to move to fourth on the NBL ladder.

All three of New Zealand’s losses have come on the road so they will be happy to be back at home where they boast an impressive 8-3 win-loss record.

The last time these two sides met in round 12 the Crocodiles shot a stunning 52% from three-point land as they downed the Breakers by 16 points.

Brad Williamson and John Rillie were particularly damaging from beyond the arc and finished the match with 18 points apiece while Michael Cedar also connected on four-of-six from long-range to finish the match with 16 points.

The Breakers will need to play perimeter defence for the full 48 minutes in order to contain the aforementioned trio and also prevent guard Corey Williams from penetrating and breaking down the defence and creating wide open looks for Townsville’s dangerous shooters.

For New Zealand, guard Kirk Penney scored a team-high 24 points the last time these two sides met and Oscar Forman managed 16 points but they received very little support with Tony Ronaldson and Rick Rickert the next best with 11 and 13 points respectively.

If the Breakers are going to be any chance of overcoming a Townsville side that can score heavily they will need a more even contribution from the entire playing roster.

This match could go either way but the home court advantage tips this contest slightly in favour of the Breakers, who are likely to come out firing early in a bid to arrest a three-game skid.

Both sides like to play an attacking brand of basketball so you would expect this to be a high-scoring affair.

With this in mind, my money is on a total match score of between 201-210, offering $4.50.

Where and When: Wednesday 14 January, State Netball and Hockey Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Sydney Spirit 80-98 Melbourne Tigers, Round 8 2008.
Sydney Spirit 102-112 Melbourne Tigers, Round 1 2008.
Only met twice

Season Series
Tigers 2-0

Current Standings
Tigers 12-8 (third), Spirit 11-11 (seventh)

Melbourne put in arguably their best performance of the season on Sunday night, downing the Perth Wildcats by 27 points at The Cage.

The Tigers have shown glimpses of their best but have struggled to string together wins this season.

It is vital that Al Westover’s men come away with a win on Wednesday night if they are going to be any hope of securing a top-two finish.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Spirit have been in reasonable form – they have won their last two and need to keep on winning in order to secure a playoffs spot.

Instrumental in the Spirit’s win over the Wollongong Hawks was Dave Gruber who scored a game-high 26 points while Matthew Knight chimed in with 20 points.

They will need the likes of Graeme Dann, Damian Martin, Drew Williamson and Jason Smith, who has been a solid contributor this season, to provide plenty of support if the Spirit are going to overcome a Melbourne side that had four players in double figures in the win over the Wildcats with import Ebi Ere leading the way with a game-high 32 points.

The Spirit have defied the odds on several occasions so far this season but they appear to be fighting out of their weight division here with the Tigers seemingly have too much firepower.

Melbourne appears to be clicking into top gear right before the playoffs and will be keen to make a statement on Wednesday night.

This punter believes the smart money on a Tigers’ win by 11+, offering $1.72.

Where and When: Sunday 11 January, State Netball and Hockey Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Perth Wildcats 95-108 Melbourne Tigers, Round 11 2008.
Melbourne Tigers 101-105 Perth Wildcats, Round 4 2008.
Perth Wildcats 106-107 Melbourne Tigers, Round 15 2007.

Season Series
Series tied 1-1

Current Standings
Tigers 11-8 (third), Wildcats 12-11 (fifth)

This match shapes as being a crucial one in determining the make-up of the top four.

Both sides suffered last-start losses with the Wildcats going down to the Cairns Taipans in a low-scoring affair on Friday night while the Tigers went down to the Adelaide 36ers by 18 points in round 15.

One thing in Melbourne’s favour is that they haven’t played since round 17 so they should be well rested.

However, since then the Tigers have acquired Dave Thomas and Luke Kendall, who played with the Cats earlier in the season.

Thomas was a part of Melbourne’s championship side last season so he will know the system well but Kendall doesn’t so you would expect him to have a limited impact.

The Wildcats were bitterly disappointing in their four-point loss to the Taipans and they will be keen to put in a better performance on Sunday.

Travelling to The Cage will hold no fears for the Cats as they defeated the Tigers by four points on Melbourne’s home court earlier in the season.

Instrumental in the round four win was forward Shawn Redhage who scored a game-high 31 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.

Redhage was Perth’s best in the loss to Cairns with a game-high 26 points – he will need greater support from the likes of Alex Loughton, Isiah Victor and captain Paul Rogers.

Rogers made his long-awaited return against the Taipans and will be better for the run.

If the likes of Victor, Loughton and co. can step up and have a greater impact offensively then the Cats should win the battle inside the paint considering the Tigers are without Sam MacKinnon, Rod Grizzard is no longer on their roster and centre Chris Anstey has been well below his best of late.

The Tigers will need Anstey, David Barlow and Stephen Hoare to lift and provide greater support to import Ebi Ere, who along with Grizzard was the only player that had a meaningful impact in the loss to the 36ers.

This match could go either way but the Cats appear to have a more potent front court and if they show greater urgency on defence and take better care of the ball than they did against the Taipans then they should prevail in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.

This punter believes the smart money is on a Perth win by 1-10, offering $5.15.

Where and When: Sunday 11 January, Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, 3.00pm (AEST)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Gold Coast Blaze 88-105 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 16 2009.
Gold Coast Blaze 115-106 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 8 2008.
Townsville Crocodiles 97-89 Gold Coast Blaze, Quarter-finals 2008.

Season Series
Series tied 1-1

Current Standings
Crocs 12-11 (sixth), Blaze 5-18 (10th)

The Townsville Crocodiles easily accounted for the Gold Coast Blaze in their last match and will be looking to consolidate their place in the top six with another win over Brendan Joyce’s men on Sunday.

Instrumental in the 17-point win over the Blaze was star guard Corey Williams who scored a team-high 25 points.

Williams will once again be the focus for Blaze with veteran Shane Heal and Daniel Joyce likely to be given the task of minding the dangerous guard in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

The Gold Coast need to prevent Williams from penetrating, breaking down the defence and creating easy scoring opportunities for the likes of John Rillie, Michael Cedar and Kelvin Robertson who are all capable of knocking down the three-ball.

For the Blaze, James Harvey played a lone hand in the round 16 loss, scoring a game-high 27 points.

The next best was import Justin Bowen who chimed in with 16 points. Bowen was often forced into tough shots thanks to extreme pressure from Cameron Tovey and the American isn’t going to find things any easier on Sunday with the much-improved 23-year-old expected to be given the task of minding Bowen once again.

The Blaze will also need a lift from Heal and Joyce who failed to fire offensively last weekend if they are going to be any hope of matching a Townsville side that is capable of scoring heavily.

The Crocodiles boast an impressive 8-3 win-loss record at home this season and you would expect them to make it nine wins on Sunday with Trevor Gleeson’s men appearing to have too much class and depth for a Gold Coast side that has battled hard but struggled to find a way to win all season.

The Blaze were humiliated on their home court by the Crocodiles last weekend and they will be keen to put in a better performance on Sunday so you would expect this contest to be a lot closer.

With this in mind, my money is on a Townsville win by 1-10, offering $2.85.

Where and When: Saturday 10 January, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
New Zealand Breakers 112-98 South Dragons, Round 10 2008.
South Dragons 93-104 New Zealand Breakers, Round 20 2007.
New Zealand Breakers 107-104 South Dragons, Round 11 2007.

Season Series
Breakers 1-0

Current Standings
Dragons 17-6 (first), Breakers 15-6 (second)

Despite being first and second on the NBL ladder, this is a must-win match for the Dragons and Breakers who have both suffered back-to-back losses.

A win to the Breakers would see them win the season series 2-0 while a victory to the Dragons would give them some breathing space at the top of the table.

New Zealand’s chances of taking the series have been given a boost with the return of point guard CJ Bruton from an ankle injury.

Bruton was expected to miss at least another week but has made it through about 60% of the last couple of practice sessions and will play limited minutes on Saturday night.

The last time these two sides met in round 10 Bruton played a key role, scoring 20 points and dishing out six assists.

Expect Adam Gibson to be given the task of minding Bruton in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this match.

Gibson will need to apply immense defensive pressure and prevent Bruton from controlling the tempo and dishing the ball inside to the likes of Rick Rickert, Oscar Forman and Tony Ronaldson and also be aggressive at the offensive end and test out Bruton’s fitness.

Along with Bruton, fellow guard Kirk Penney was damaging in the 14-point win in round 10 with a game-high 27 points.

Joe Ingles has improved his defensive game this season and looms as the most likely option to mind the dangerous Penney who can blow a game wide open in the space of five minutes.

For the Dragons, Ingles, Matt Burston and skipper Mark Worthington have been well below their best offensively of late.

Expect the aforementioned trio to lift on Saturday night and get their side over the line in what shapes as being one of the games of the season.

Given the position of these two sides on the ladder you would expect this contest to be a close one, so with this in mind my money is on a Dragons’ win by 1-10, offering $2.85.

Where and When: Saturday 10 January, Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Wollongong Hawks 121-117 Sydney Spirit, Round 15 2008.
Sydney Spirit 99-86 Wollongong Hawks, Round 6 2008.
Wollongong Hawks 111-99 Sydney Spirit, Round 1 2008.

Season Series
Hawks 2-1

Current Standings
Spirit 10-11 (seventh), Hawks 9-13 (eighth)

This is a must-win match for both sides if they are going to be any hope of securing a playoffs spot.

The last time these two sides met in round 15 the Hawks prevailed by four points in a high-scoring affair with Cameron Tragardh, Glen Saville and Lindsay Tait leading the way with 20-plus points.

Guard Kavossy Franklin is also in reasonable form while Dusty Rychart is capable of posting solid numbers, so the Spirit will need to play team defence for the full 48 minutes if they are going to contain a Wollongong side that boasts multiple offensive weapons.

For the Spirit, forward Matthew Knight and former Singapore Slinger Blagoj Janev had big games in the loss to the Hawks in round 15, scoring 23 and 21 points respectively.

They will need to fire once again and receive plenty of support from the likes of Jason Smith, Drew Williamson, Graeme Dann and co. if they are going to overcome a Wollongong side that had six players in double figures the last time these two sides met.

This match could go either way with these two sides relatively evenly matched but the Hawks appear to have more firepower and should get up in what shapes as being an engrossing contest.

The three clashes between these two sides have been relatively close and with plenty on the line you would expect things to be no different this time around.

This punter is putting his money on a Hawks’ win by 1-10, offering $3.90.

Where and When: Saturday 10 January, Distinctive Homes Dome, 7.00pm (ACT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Adelaide 36ers 70-71 Cairns Taipans, Round 8 2008.
Adelaide 36ers 113-104 Cairns Taipans, Round 21 2008.
Cairns Taipans 105-111 Adelaide 36ers, Round 19 2008.

Season Series
Taipans 1-0

Current Standings
36ers 10-11 (sixth), Taipans 8-14 (ninth)

Cairns kept its slim finals hopes alive with a gutsy four-point win over the Perth Wildcats on Friday night while the Adelaide 36ers consolidated their place in the top six with a win over the Wollongong Hawks on Wednesday.

The last time these two sides met in round eight the Taipans prevailed by one point in a low-scoring affair at the Distinctive Homes Dome.

If Cairns is going to make it back-to-back wins you would expect that it will need to be another low-scoring clash with Adelaide seemingly having more scoring power, especially inside the paint with Adam Ballinger and Luke Schenscher in stellar form.

Ballinger and Schenscher were instrumental in the seven-point win over the Hawks with 23 and 25 points respectively and could well prove to be the match-winners on Saturday night.

Cairns big men Ian Crosswhite and Martin Cattalini will need to have big games offensively and keep Ballinger and Schenscher off the glass if the Taipans are going to be any hope of securing their second win over Adelaide this season.

If the Cairns duo can keep Ballinger and Schenscher quiet it will go a long way towards securing a much-needed win for the Taipans as the 36ers are without their leading scorer Julius Hodge, who walked out on the club prior to the clash against the Hawks.

A win to the Taipans here wouldn’t be a major shock but the fact that they are backing up after a gruelling clash against the Wildcats tips this contest slightly in favour of the 36ers.

The last three clashes between these two sides have been decided by less than 10 points and with both teams fighting for a playoffs spot you would expect this clash to be yet another close affair.

This punter suggests putting your money on an Adelaide win by 1-10, offering $2.75.

Where and When: Friday 9 January, Challenge Stadium, 7.00pm (AWST)
Past Three Head-to-Head

Cairns Taipans 85-101 Perth Wildcats, Round 10 2008.
Perth Wildcats 86-78 Cairns Taipans, Round 9 2008.
Cairns Taipans 93-89 Perth Wildcats, Round 17 2008.

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Season Series
Wildcats 2-0

Current Standings
Wildcats 12-10 (fourth), Taipans 7-14 (ninth)

Perth showed it’s a legitimate championship contender with an impressive nine-point win over ladder leaders the South Dragons and with just six rounds remaining they are well placed to secure a top-four berth.

Perth’s chances of finishing in the top four were give a major boost with the news that skipper Paul Rogers will make his long awaited return from a knee injury that threatened to end his career.

While the Cats are pushing for a place in the top four, the Cairns Taipans find themselves outside the top six and only a slim chance of reaching the playoffs.

For Cairns, big man Ian Crosswhite has been in good form in recent weeks and was his side’s best in the seven-point loss to the Wollongong Hawks in round 16, scoring a team-high 27 points

Crosswhite and fellow big man Martin Cattalini will need to have a big game offensively if the Taipans are going to be any hope of securing a much needed win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Taipans will also need to crash the boards and prevent Perth guard Darnell Hinson from penetrating and creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates if they are going to contain a potent Perth front court that boasts the likes of Shawn Redhage, Alex Loughton and import Isiah Victor, who won last week’s player of the week award after scoring 25 points and pulling 12 rebounds in the win over the Dragons.

Due to their financial troubles, Cairns is now playing without an import, which means they lack any real scoring depth while the Wildcats have five players who have averaged 12 or more points per game so far this season with Redhage leading the way with 18.8 points per game.

Perth has won 7 of its 10 games at home this season and expect them to make it eight on Friday night.

Cairns will battle hard and remain in touch early but Perth’s multitude of scoring options will prove to be the difference as the match wears on and the Wildcats should cruise to a relatively comfortable win.

This punter believes the smart money on a Perth win by 11+, offering $1.53.

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.

Where and When: Sunday 21 December, Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, 5.00pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Townsville Crocodiles 92-87 Sydney Spirit, Round 12 2008.
Townsville Crocodiles 103-101 Sydney Spirit, Round 6 2008.
Only met twice

Season Series
Crocs 2-0

Current Standings
Spirit (8-10) seventh, Crocs (10-9) fourth

The Townsville Crocodiles were desperately unlucky to go down to the South Dragons at the Hisense Arena on Saturday night – they led by eight points at quarter time and looked the better team for most of the first half but were eventually overrun with the Dragons prevailing 88-84.

Despite the loss the Crocs still remain in fourth position on the NBL ladder but they will be desperate to get a win here to open up a gap between themselves and the likes of Adelaide and Perth.

Meanwhile, the Spirit were thumped to the tune of 34 points by the New Zealand Breakers on Thursday and are in need of a win to keep in touch with the top six.

Townsville has won the two matches between these two sides but the Spirit could have easily won both contests with the Crocodiles prevailing by just five and two points in round 12 and six respectively.

In the round six loss the Spirit were led by big man Julian Khazzouh and import Derrick Low who both scored 18 points.

Khazzouh, Low and underrated guard Liam Rush have since gone overseas, therefore the onus is on Matthew Knight and Dave Gruber to have big games if the Spirit are going to be any chance of recording their ninth win of the season.

The Spirit were right in the contest in their loss to the Breakers – they trailed by just five points at half-time but fell away dramatically in the second half as New Zealand cruised to an emphatic 104-70 victory.

Sydney will need the likes of Jason Smith, Drew Williamson, Graeme Dann and new import Blagov Jane to provide greater support to Knight and Gruber to ensure that the scoreboard keeps ticking over.

Rob Beveridge’s men are a proud group and they will be keen to bounce back strongly after their abysmal performance against the Breakers.

They will battle hard throughout but the Crocodiles appear to have too much scoring power with import Corey Williams currently in form and the likes of John Rillie, Kelvin Robertson, Brad Williamson and Rosell Ellis all capable of posting big numbers.

The Crocodiles may have plenty of scoring power but they will need to be more efficient on the offensive end than they were against the Dragons if they are going to get the win.

Against the ladder leaders the Crocodiles shot a paltry 29% from three-point land and made just 13 of 22 free-throws.

A similar performance on Sunday and they will be punished by a Sydney side that likes to play a high-octane brand of basketball.

Being back at home will give the Spirit some confidence but Townsville’s depth should prove to be the difference in what shapes as being yet another hard-fought contest.

This punter suggests putting your money on a Crocodiles’ win by 1-10, offering $2.80.

Where and When: Saturday 20 December, Distinctive Homes Dome, 7.00pm (ACT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Gold Coast Blaze 96-108 Adelaide 36ers, Round 9 2008.
Gold Coast Blaze 127-118 Adelaide 36ers, Round 20 2007.
Gold Coast Blaze 117-109 Adelaide 36ers, Round 11 2007.

Season Series
36ers 1-0

Current Standings
36ers (8-10) seventh, Blaze (4-15) 10th

Adelaide suffered a heartbreaking double overtime loss to the Perth Wildcats last Saturday night and will be desperate for a win here to keep in touch with the top six.

While the Blaze are currently sitting on the bottom of the ladder with a 4-15 win-loss record, they shouldn’t be underestimated and the 36ers will need to be switched on if they are going record their ninth win of the season.

Instrumental in the Gold Coast’s thrilling three-point win over the Wollongong Hawks in round 14 was guard James Harvey who scored a franchise record 37 points, including an impressive 8-of-13 from three-point land.

Harvey looms as the main danger for the 36ers and will need to be watched closely.

Expect Aaron Bruce to be given the task of minding Harvey in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

The last time these two sides met in round nine Bruce was influential, scoring 16 points and dishing out 14 dimes.

Expect Bruce to be aggressive once again on the offensive end and force Harvey to play defence and expend energy, which in turn will limit his impact on the scoreboard.

While the battle in the back court shapes as being an interesting one, this match will be won inside the paint.

Adelaide’s Adam Ballinger and fellow big man Luke Schenscher are the main reason why the 36ers are in finals contention, averaging 21.9 and 16.7 points per game respectively.

Ballinger was the match-winner the last time these two sides met, scoring a game-high 31 points, including five three pointers while Schenscher was also damaging in the round nine clash, scoring 17 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.

The Blaze will need to apply immense defensive pressure and prevent Bruce and Brett Maher from pumping the ball inside to Ballinger and Schesncher and the likes of Ben Melmeth, Casey Frank and Luke Whitehead will need to crash the boards and prevent the Adelaide duo from getting easy second chance points.

Brendan Joyce’s men have won two of their past three against the 36ers and are more than capable of causing an upset on the road but Adelaide simply has a more potent front court and should prevail in what will be a closer contest than many pundits expect.

This punter is putting his money on a 36ers’ win by 1-10, offering $2.75.

Where and When: Saturday 20 December, Hisense Arena, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
South Dragons 89-91 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 2 2008.
Townsville Crocodiles 123-88 South Dragons, Round 16 2008.
South Dragons 97-103 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 8 2007.

Season Series
Crocs 1-0

Current Standings
Dragons (15-4) first, Crocs(10-8) fourth

The South Dragons continue to roll along nicely, having won their past three to maintain their place at the top of the NBL ladder while the Townsville Crocodiles currently find themselves inside the top four and need to keep winning in order to hold off the likes of Perth and Adelaide

The Crocodiles will enter this match with plenty of confidence given that they are the only team to defeat the Dragons at the Hisense Arena this season.

Corey Williams led the way for the Crocodiles in that round two win, scoring a game-high 22 points – 11 of which came in the final quarter.

The Dragons must apply immense defensive pressure and stop Williams’ penetration on Saturday night if they are going to record their 16th win of the season.

If Williams is allowed to do as he pleases he will not only have a big game offensively himself but he will also create wide open looks for Kelvin Robertson, John Rillie and Brad Williamson who are all capable of knocking it down from beyond the arc.

With so many dangerous shooters, Townsville are capable of defeating the ladder leaders for the second time this season but the Dragons scoring depth – they had seven players in double figures in the come-from-behind win over the Melbourne Tigers last Saturday night and their stifling defence should see them prevail in what shapes as being a tight contest between two quality teams.

The Dragons are the best defensive side in the competition so expect this contest to be a relatively low-scoring one.

This punter suggests putting your money on a match total of between 181-190 points, offering $4.00.

Where and When: Saturday 20 December, State Netball and Hockey Centre, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Wollongong Hawks 98-109 Melbourne Tigers, Round 20 2008.
Melbourne Tigers 100-88 Wollongong Hawks, Round 1 2007.
Wollongong Hawks 111-117 Melbourne Tigers, Round 16 2007.

Season Series
First match

Current Standings
Tigers (10-7) third, Hawks (6-12) ninth

While they may occupy third place on the NBL ladder the Melbourne Tigers are hardly in great form – they lost two in a row to Adelaide and the Dragons and then just scraped home against a severely depleted Cairns side in a scrappy affair in round 14.

Meanwhile, the Wollongong Hawks continue to struggle, having lost their past seven to drop to ninth place on the ladder.

The odds are against them turning things around against the Tigers at The Cage on Saturday night given their poor record on the road – they have won just one of ten games away from home so far this season.

Wollongong guard Kavossy Franklin has been well below his best of late and the Hawks need him to be more aggressive on the offensive end if they are going to snap a seven-game losing streak.

If Franklin is able to penetrate and score it will help break down Melbourne’s defence and create easy scoring opportunities for the likes of Dusty Rychart, Glen Saville and Anthony Petrie who will all need to have big games if the Hawks are going to overcome a Tigers outfit that boasts a multitude of scoring options.

Melbourne has six players that will face the Hawks that average double figures with import Ebi Ere and centre Chris Anstey leading the way with 20.6 and 20.5 points per game respectively.

The Tigers’ stars will be keen to fire after their uninspiring display against the Taipans, so expect a better shooting performance on Saturday night.

The Hawks will stick with the Tigers early but Melbourne’s multitude of scoring options will overwhelm Wollongong as the match wears on.

This punter believes the wise option is to put money on a Melbourne win by 11+, offering $1.70.

Where and When: Thursday 18 December, North Shore Events Centre, 7.30pm (NZDT)

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Past Three Head-to-Head
Never met

Season Series
First match

Current Standings
Breakers (13-4) second, Spirit (8-9) sixth

The New Zealand Breakers suffered a disappointing 16-point loss to the Townsville Crocodiles in their last match, which was over a fortnight ago.

The Breakers should be nice and fresh but the extended break could also work against them and they may come out flat.

However, they will fancy their chances of registering their 14th win of the season on Thursday night given the Sydney Spirit’s poor record on the road – Rob Beveridge’s men have won just two of eight games away from home so far this season.

Like the Breakers, the Spirit lost their last match to the Crocodiles and will be keen to get a win here to consolidate their place in the top six.

Instrumental in Sydney’s success so far this season has been big man Matthew Knight, who has been averaging an impressive 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Knight scored a game-high 25 points in his side’s most recent win – a 14-point triumph over the Cairns Taipans while fellow big man Dave Gruber provided solid support, chipping in with 20 points.

Both will need to put in similar performances on Thursday night if the Spirit are going to overcome a New Zealand side that has a front court which boasts the likes of Rick Rickert, Oscar Forman and Tony Ronaldson, who all average double figures.

Despite losing Julian Khazzouh, Liam Rush and import Derrick Low to overseas clubs, Beveridge has promised that his side will continue to play a high-octane brand of basketball, so expect this clash to be a high-scoring one.

But the Spirit simply don’t have great scoring depth and will struggle to match a New Zealand side that leads the league in points per game (106.0) and also has the league’s second leading scorer in Kirk Penney who averages 24.2 points per game.

A win to the Spirit wouldn’t be a major shock as they have accounted for top sides in Perth and the South Dragons so far this season but the Breakers simply have too many offensive weapons and should cruise to a relatively comfortable win after being challenged early by a Sydney side that always battles hard.

This punter believes the smart money is on a New Zealand win by 11+, offering $1.45.

Where and When: Wednesday 17 December, Gold Coast Convention Centre, 7.30pm (AEST)

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Past Three Head-to-Head
Wollongong Hawks 110-111 Gold Coast Blaze, Round 9 2008.
Wollongong Hawks 98-96 Gold Coast Blaze, Round 6 2008.
Wollongong Hawks 82-115 Gold Coast Blaze, Round 11 2007.

Season Series
Series tied 1-1

Current Standings
Blaze (3-15) 10th, Hawks (6-11) ninth

Wollongong slumped to their sixth straight loss in round 13 and will be desperate to get a win here to keep their slim finals hopes alive while the Blaze went down to an undermanned Cairns side last Sunday and will be keen to salvage some pride from what has been a disastrous season.

This match shapes as being a fiery affair after what transpired the last time these two sides met in round nine.

Wollongong coach Eric Cooks and Gold Coast coach Brendan Joyce exchanged words after Daniel Joyce knocked down a big three to lift the Blaze to a thrilling one-point win.

Both sides are relatively evenly matched inside the paint with Wollongong’s front court boasting the likes of Cameron Tragadh, Glen Saville and Dusty Rychart while the Blaze have Ben Melmeth and imports Luke Whitehead and Justin Bowen at their disposal.

Therefore, whichever side shows a greater willingness to share the ball on offence and pump it inside for high percentage shots rather than settle for jump shots and is also prepared to consistently crash the boards should go on to win

The Blaze appear to have the edge in the backcourt with James Harvey and Shane Heal both averaging 17 points per game.

Both are capable of lighting it up from outside and turning a game on its head within the space of five minutes, so the Hawks will need to apply immense defensive pressure for the full 48 minutes and deny them any open looks.

This contest could go either way but the home court advantage and a more potent back court tips this match slightly in favour of the Blaze.

This punter suggests putting your money on a Gold Coast win by 1-10, offering $2.85.

Where and When: Wednesday 17 December, Cairns Convention Centre, 7.30pm (AEST)

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Past Three Head-to-Head
Melbourne Tigers 99-98 Cairns Taipans, Round 10 2008.
Cairns Taipans 77-101 Melbourne Tigers, Round 3 2008.
Melbourne Tigers 98-89 Cairns Taipans, Round 15 2007.

Season Series
Tigers 2-0

Current Standings
Taipans (7-12) eighth, Tigers (9-7) third

The Cairns Taipans kept their finals hopes alive with a gutsy nine-point win over the Gold Coast Blaze in round 13 and will be keen to keep the momentum going with a victory over the third-placed Melbourne Tigers on Wednesday night.

The Taipans will fancy their chances of securing back-to-back wins as the Tigers are hardly in the best of form.

Melbourne has lost their past two and have been far from impressive on the road this season, winning just four of eight games.

The last time these two sides met in round ten the Tigers got up by just one point but Cairns’ two best players in that loss – Larry Abney and Dave Thomas are no longer on the playing roster due to the club’s financial problems.

And with veteran guard Darnell Mee likely to miss after straining his groin early in the win over the Blaze, plenty of pressure will be on Martin Cattalini, Ian Crosswhite and guard Gary Boodnikoff to have big games again if the Taipans are going to prevail.

In the last clash between these two sides at the Cairns Convention Centre in round three, the Tigers crushed the Taipans by 24 points with Ebi Ere leading the way with 24 points while fellow import Rod Grizzard and Stephen Hoare were solid contributors with 19 and 15 points respectively.

Chris Anstey and David Barlow didn’t have big games in the round three win but are also capable of being very damaging.

The Tigers have won 24 of their 28 matches against the Taipans.

Expect their dominance to continue on Wednesday night with their greater scoring depth set to be the difference.

This punter believes the smart money is on a Tigers’ win by 11+, offering $2.20.