It’s an overused phrase, but the NBL Basketball season is heating up. Let’s look at one of the most anticipated games with the clash between the NZ Breakers and the Tasmania JackJumpers. Both teams have been performing well, but who has the edge in this match-up? In this article, we will analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each team, as well as the odds offered by the bookies.
Full Court Press
The game will be a battle of styles, as the JackJumpers like to play fast and shoot from the perimeter, while the Breakers prefer to slow down the pace and work inside. The JackJumpers have made more three-pointers than any other team in the league, with an average of 12.3 per game, while the Breakers have attempted the fewest, with an average of 7.6 per game. The Breakers have a size advantage in the paint, with players like Zylan Cheatham and Jarrad Weeks, who can rebound and score in the post. The JackJumpers will need to defend well and limit their turnovers to keep up with the Breakers.
Both teams have something to prove and fight for. The JackJumpers want to maintain their position in the top four and challenge for the title, while the Breakers want to climb up the ladder and make the playoffs.
Why I think the JackJumpers will get up
This is a crucial game for both the JackJumpers and the Breakers.Both teams are fighting for a spot in the playoffs and have a lot to prove.II believe that the JackJumpers have the edge over the Breakers and will win this game. Here are some of the reasons why:
- The JackJumpers have a stronger defence than the Breakers. They rank second in the league in blocks per game and third in steals per game. They also have a lower opponent field goal percentage than the Breakers, which means they make it harder for their rivals to score.
- The JackJumpers have a more balanced offence than the Breakers. They have four players averaging double-digit points per game, led by Josh Adams with 18.7 points per game. They also have a higher assist-to-turnover ratio than the Breakers, which means they share the ball better and make fewer mistakes.
- The JackJumpers have more momentum than the Breakers. They have won four of their last five games, including a convincing 97-82 victory over the Sydney Kings. They also have a better home record than the Breakers, who have struggled on the road this season.
I think that the JackJumpers will get up and beat the Breakers in this game. They have a more solid team on both ends of the floor and a more confident mindset. The bookies agree with me, as they have given them a 1.5-point advantage over the Breakers. I would not be surprised if they win by more than that.
Who to watch: Sean MacDonald
Position: Guard
Jersey #: 5
The young Aussie star is leading the JackJumpers in scoring this season, averaging 18.7 points per game. He has a smooth shooting stroke and can create his own shot off the dribble. He also has a knack for clutch plays, as he showed in the last game against the Breakers when he hit a game-winning three-pointer with nine seconds left. Watch out for his confidence and flair on the court.
Why I think the Breakers might get up
The NZ Breakers have had a tough start to the season, but they are not out of the race yet. They have shown some signs of improvement in their last few games, and they have a chance to upset the Tasmania JackJumpers.. Here are some reasons why I think the Breakers might get up:
- The Breakers have a balanced roster with experienced veterans and young talents. They have players like Finn Delany, Tai Webster, and Tom Abercrombie who can score from anywhere on the court, and they have a solid frontcourt with Yanni Wetzell and William McDowell-White.
- The JackJumpers are still finding their identity as a new team in the league. They have some exciting players like Josh Adams, Clint Steindl, and Will Magnay, but they also have some weaknesses in their defence and rebounding. The Breakers can exploit these gaps and create opportunities for themselves.
- The Breakers have a strong fan base that will support them at home. The Spark Arena in Auckland is one of the best venues in the NBL, and the Breakers fans are known for their passion and loyalty. The Breakers can feed off the energy of the crowd and play with more confidence and intensity.
The Breakers may be underdogs in this game, but they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They have the talent, the experience, and the motivation to pull off a surprise win against the JackJumpers. I’m looking forward to watching this game and seeing how it unfolds.
Who to watch:
Position: Guard
Jersey #: 7
The talented Aussie guard is leading the Breakers in assists and steals this season, averaging 6.2 and 1.8 per game respectively. He is also a versatile scorer, with 12.3 points per game on 46.2% shooting from the field. He has a knack for creating plays for himself and his teammates, and he can also defend multiple positions. Watch out for his court vision and athleticism in the game against the JackJumpers.
What do the bookies say?
The bookies have different opinions on who will win the upcoming NBL game between NZ Breakers and Tasmania JackJumpers on January 26, 2024. Here are some of the odds from various betting sites:
Bookmaker | NZ Breakers | Tasmania JackJumpers |
---|---|---|
Bet365 | 1.67 | 2.20 |
Ladbrokes | 1.70 | 2.15 |
Betfair | 1.72 | 2.10 |
SportsBet | 1.75 | 2.05 |
TAB | 1.80 | 2.00 |
According to these odds, the NZ Breakers are slightly favoured to win the game, but the margin is not very large. The total points line is around 171 points, which suggests a high-scoring game.
The bottom line
The JackJumpers are currently third on the ladder, while The Breakers are seventh, but both teams have shown some impressive performances lately. According to the bookies, the Breakers are the favourites to win, with odds of 1.65, while the JackJumpers have odds of 2.25. However, these odds may change as the game approaches, depending on factors such as injuries, form and motivation.
The Breakers have a strong home advantage, as they have won six of their last seven games.. They also have a balanced and experienced roster, led by star guard Tai Webster and veteran forward Finn Delany. The JackJumpers, on the other hand, are a new franchise that is still finding its identity and cohesion. They rely heavily on their import duo of Josh Adams and Josh Magette, who can be inconsistent at times.
This doesn’t mean that the JackJumpers have no chance of winning. They have shown some resilience and grit in their debut season, and they have pulled off some upsets against higher-ranked teams. They also have a passionate fan base that will travel across the Tasman Sea to support them. Therefore, you may want to hedge your bets and place a small wager on the JackJumpers, just in case they surprise everyone.
Disclaimer: Online sports betting is a risky activity that can result in financial losses or addiction. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. This article is not intended to provide any professional or legal advice on sports betting. It is only based on the opinion of the author and does not guarantee any outcomes or results
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