The NBL season is heating up as two of the fan favourite teams, the Adelaide 36ers and Perth Wildcats face off in a crucial game this Friday night. Both teams have a chance to secure a playoff spot with a win, but they’ll have to deal with the pressure of the expectations from their fans. But there’s also pressure from the bookies, and that’s what we really care about.
Who’s going to come out on top in this exciting clash? Let’s look in depth at the strengths and weaknesses of both these teams, their most recent performances and at some of the odds offered by some of Australia’s best betting sites.
Why I think Adelaide will get up?
It’s a crucial game of the NBL this Friday night. Both teams are fighting for a spot in the top four, but the 36ers have the edge in several aspects. Here’s my brain dump of why I think Adelaide will get up and beat Perth:
- Adelaide has the home court advantage. The 36ers have won six of their last seven games at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, while the Wildcats have lost four of their last five away games.
- Adelaide has a balanced and formidable offence. The 36ers have five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by Daniel Johnson with 20.1 points per game. They also rank second in the league in assists, with 18.9 per game.
- Adelaide has upped their defence. The 36ers have held their opponents to 82.4 points per game in their last five wins, compared to 90.8 points per game in their last five losses. There’s also an increase in their steals and blocks, forcing more turnovers and disrupting Perth’s rhythm.
Adelaide have the momentum, the depth and the determination to overcome the Wildcats and secure a vital win.
Why I think Perth will get up?
The Perth Wildcats have a strong record against the Adelaide 36ers. They have won 10 of their last 12 games against them, including a stunning 111-90 victory in their last encounter. The Wildcats are also in great form, having won six of their last seven games. Here my brain dump on why I think Perth will get up in this game:
- Perth’s lineup. Perth has a balanced and deep roster, with five players averaging double-digit points. Bryce Cotton is the league’s leading scorer with 23.4 points per game, and John Mooney is a double-double machine with 17.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. They also have reliable veterans like Jesse Wagstaff and Mitch Norton, and exciting young talents like Luke Travers and Todd Blanchfield.
- Perth’s ferocity. Perth plays with a high intensity and defensive mindset, which makes them hard to beat. They lead the league in steals (8.9 per game) and blocks (4.1 per game), and rank second in points allowed (81.9 per game). They also force their opponents to commit the most turnovers (15.5 per game) and shoot the lowest percentage from the field (42.6%).
- Perth is playing away this week, which is a huge motivating factor in the NBL. They have a loyal and passionate fan base but without them this could hinder their performance. The Wildcats will feed off the energy of the crowd and play with more confidence and swagger away.
Perth have a great chance to get up in this game because they have a superior team and a defensive edge. They are the favourites to win the title again, and I don’t see Adelaide stopping them in this match.
What do the bookies say?
This game is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having strong rosters and even stronger ambitions. Let’s look at what the bookies are saying
Here are some of the odds from different bookmakers as of 18 October 2023:
- Bet365 is listing the Perth Wildcats as favourites to win the game, with odds of 1.50
- Sportsbet also gives Perth Wildcats an edge, with odds of 1.15 for a match betting, compared to 5.50 for Adelaide 36ers.
- Bets.com.au is tipping the Perth Wildcats to win at 1.35 odds. They’re citing the superior shooting and defence over Adelaide 36ers.
- Bet Experts predicts a close game, with Perth Wildcats winning by a margin of 3 points, and offers odds of 1.87 for a Perth Wildcats victory.
- Sports Gambler has provided a detailed analysis of the game (thankfully). They’re suggesting a bet builder with Perth Wildcats -9.5 Handicap Line at 11/12 and Perth Over 96.5 Team Total at 17/20.
These odds are suggesting a dominating game from the Perth Wildcats, but all will be shown on the court.
The bottom line
The Adelaide 36ers and the Perth Wildcats have one of the most thrilling NBL games this weekend. Both teams have been in great form lately, with the bookies having the Wildcats as the clear favourites, with odds of 1.50 to win. There’s the 36ers paying 2.60.
However, the game could be closer than expected, with the 36ers having a strong home-court advantage and a balanced attack led by star guard Josh Giddey. The Wildcats will rely on their defensive intensity and veteran leadership from Bryce Cotton and John Mooney.
If we look at the current form and odds, I’m sticking a bet on the Wildcats to win, but not by more than 10 points. The 36ers have shown enough resilience and firepower to keep the game competitive, and they could even pull off an upset if they catch the Wildcats off guard. A margin bet of Wildcats 1-10 at 2.80 could be a good value option.
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice and we are not responsible for any losses or damages resulting from following our recommendations. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.
over 20 years.
- NRL Las Vegas: Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs Betting Tips - February 20, 2024
- Australia v West Indies ODI 2024 Game 1 - January 29, 2024
- NZ Breakers vs Tasmania JackJumpers Betting Tips – 26th January 2024 - January 20, 2024
