NBL23 Round 3 Tips

 

NBL23 round 3

Date.

Time.

Home Team

Away Team

Venue

Thu 13 Oct

19:30 AEDT

Adelaide 36ers

Tasmania JackJumpers

Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Fri 14 Oct

19:30 AEDT

Sydney Kings

Cairns Taipans

Qudos Bank Arena

Fri 14 Oct

21:30 AEDT

Perth Wildcats

Melbourne United

RAC Arena

Sat 15 Oct

17:30 AEDT

Adelaide 36ers

Illawarra Hawks

Adelaide 36ers

Sat 15 Oct

20:00 AEDT

SE Melbourne Phoenix

NZ Breakers

John Cain Arena

Sun 16 Oct

14:00 AEDT

Melbourne United

Tasmania JackJumpers

John Cain Arena

Sun 16 Oct

16:00 AEDT

Brisbane Bullets

Sydney Kings

Nissan Arena

Mon 17 Oct

19:30 AEDT

Illawarra Hawks

NZ Breakers

WIN Entertainment Centre

Last week I went six from eight in my tips after a rough week one. Let's hope I can keep a good run going. Early season is always the most difficult especially with all these rotation changes from injuries and players coming back/going down. It has been hard for teams to really find form and create an offensive and defensive game plan. Now with Adelaide coming back, it will great to see where they sit after that amazing shooting display in the states.

Game 1: 

Adelaide 36er vs Tasmania JackJumpers

After the 36ers took down the Phoenix Suns in the NBA preseason, Adelaide should be an easy pick against the middling Tasmania Jackjumpers. However I'm going against the trend and tipping Tasmania to get the win here. The 36ers may still be without Daniel Johnson who was a key figure in the Suns win and was injured near half time, and if the JackJumpers can play lock down D on Craig Randall then I can see them walking away the winner. However if the 36ers play like they did against the Suns no one in this league can beat them. That shooting display will be tough to replicate, especially if they are without the inside presence of DJ. Watch out for Rashad Kelly to have a big game. 

Tasmania by 6

Game 2: 

Sydney Kings Vs Cairns Taipans

Sydney should roll through Cairns to continue their unbeaten start to the season. Cairns would have to be shooting the lights out to walk away with this win. However after the thrashing the Wildcats gave Cairns last week at home, I cant seem them getting the upset here. 

Sydney by 18

Game 3:

Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United

Melbourne united easily handled the Perth wildcats in the preseason Blitz but as we have seen, those games have counted for nothing with teams resting players and no one able to hit a shot during the Blitz. 

From the current form of both teams you gotta go with Perth at home. I feel Melbourne could play well and still probably lose. 

Perth by 6. 

Game 4: 

Adelaide 36ers Vs Illawarra Hawks

Adelaide at home against the Hawks will be another game where their form from Friday should really be the tell for this tip. The Hawks lost an import in Justin Simon going down with a torn meniscus and that is a big hole to fill. From an in the dark tip, Ill take Adelaide to win it, finding form after a game one upset from Tassie. 

36ers by 5. 

Game 5: 

SE Melbourne Phoenix Vs New Zealand Breakers

The Phoenix should have some returning players this week, with Ryan Broekoff and Zhou Qi coming back into the lineup. Playing at home I think it will be closer then the bookies are predicting, with a couple of unpracticed players in the starting lineup for Phoenix. I would not be surprised for the Breakers to pull off the upset but Ill stick with the Home team.  

Phoenix to win by 3

Game 6: 

Melbourne united vs Tasmania Jack Jumpers

Melbourne will need to put up a big game at home after a rocky start to the season. Tasmania are solid team but playing In Melbroune with a hungry Melbourne team with some imports potentially playing for their year. Ive got Melbourne to take the home the W. 

Melbourne by 8

Game 7: 

Sydney Kings vs Brisbane Bullets

This is a must win for Brisbane who have had possibly the toughest start to the season going 0-3 taking on the Perth Wildcats, Sydney Kings and a tough overtime loss to the Tasmania Jackjumpers all in away games. Brisbane Coach James Duncan's job could be on the chopping block if this losing streak continues. but playing against the in form and number one team Sydney Kings it will certainly be a tough night for the hot and cold Bullets. 

The smart money will still be on the Kings but ill pick the Bullets to take the home upset and get the win. They have had a long road trip and should be pumped to play at home. Tyler Johnson found form in Tassie and caddie kicked his game into gear against Perth. If Sobey can get hot and they look to use the post, Brisbane should find form. 

Brisbane to win by 6

Game 8: 

Illawarra Hawks Vs New Zealand Breakers

So early in the season these middling teams are the hardest to pick. I think with the Hawks losing Justin Simon and the Breakers losing Tom Abercrombie both have injured players however I feel Simon is the bigger loss for the team. Also the breakers are used to playing away games after playing all last year in Australia. Ill go the breakers to get the win after a tough loss to the Phoenix. 

New Zealand by 5

NBL23 Round 2 team take-aways

Key takeaways from Round 2 NBL23

With round two finished, here are some key takeaways from each team going into Round 3. 

After writing off my Blitz impressions on each team I had a better week of Picks going 6/8 for the round and only missing the Brisbane VS Tasmania game and Perth vs Cairns picks. 

Sydney Kings

What can be said about the Sydney Kings other than they are looking like the out and out favourites this year! With two players as possible MVP candidates in Xavier Cooks and Derrick Walton Jnr. Just look at the that dunk! Both players displayed their ability to just take over for Sydney, and took turns on offence to shut out the Brisbane bullets in the fourth quarter and then just roll over Melbourne United. Xavier Cooks is playing the best I have seen through his career. He is attacking the basket and taking over games for large portions. Derrick Walton Jnr looks like he can do it all for Sydney, with stellar playmaking skills and getting open shots to all their players, to attacking the basket and dropping shots. He is looking like the best new player of the season. Then when you have DJ Vasiljvic open to bomb from outside and Justin Simon attacking the rim, the Sydney Kings will be tough to beat. If one player is having an off night, as with DJ being streaky to start the season, they have plenty of weapons to keep their offence ticking. 

Cairns Taipans

Cairns as it looked in preseason would be a streaky hot shooting team. If they're hitting their shots they will get some good wins against good teams, but if their shots are off they are ugly to watch as seen when Perth rolled them. They will be a hard pick all season until we see how consistent they can be from deep. After shooting the lights out against Tasmania DJ Hogg went cold and could not hit a shot against Perth as the Wildcats absolutely rolled them. More shots do not always mean more buckets. 

Melbourne United

A well rested united squad were steamrolled by the Sydney Kings this week with 4/5 starters only putting in single digit scoring each. Melbourne were looking the goods in preseason and maybe it was just a rough night but it has not made me confident about this Melbourne squad. They won they're first game in overtime against the breakers but until we see more games they are looking shaky. They're results this week will really show where they stand on the board playing Tasmania and Perth. Their imports more then any other I think will be on the chopping block with the salary Melbourne have at their disposal. 

Brisbane Bullets

Brisbane have started the season 0-3 in the season and the team must be disappointed. They have at times looked like a playoff team and at others a cellar dweller. The Bullets have had a tough start playing good teams away from home, with their easiest game against the Tasmania Jackjumpers who themselves started 0-3 and were hungry for a win playing at home. They really look like they need to establish they're play style with what everyone thought would be heavy post play team is barely seen. Tyler Johnson has been hot and cold with pushing his play in the game. At times he will force his will and attack the basket and others not barely be seen on the court. 

Brisbane did get Jason Cadee going against the Sydney Kings and he really balled out for awhile after 0 points in game 1. Brisbane really need Sobey and Cadee shooting well to play well as a team. They can not solely rely on Baynes and Johnson to carry them against these stacked rosters in Sydney, Perth etc. And they need to go inside more often. Find Baynes and Froling for more post touches and watch the offence develop as the double team comes and they find the open shooter. They played well like this in the preseason but its barely been seen so far in regular season. Why? I don't know, maybe its too easily predicted and with Fiba defence the help is to quick to find the open shooter. Will we see a coach change sooner then we see an import sent home this year? 

Tasmania JackJumpers

Tasmania look like a solid team. After going to the finals last year they could not be expected to start at the top, but as last year, I think they will have a strong 2nd half of the season with the coach and play style they utilise. Which is heavy on the defensive end and this will become stronger as the season progresses and the team learns all of Scott Roths defensive rotations. As the team really starts to gel and the imports find their time to take over they should be a solid team that can stand toe to toe with any team out there. That said it might be a slower start to the season. I do like their imports and McVeigh can shoot from anywhere but if they are having an off night the Jackjumpers will certainly have some tough losses. 

Melbourne Phoenix 

Melbourne got its first win of the season off an amazing display from Kyle Adnam but I cant see him shooting that well every night. They then went on to drop their next two games against the New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans. I was not confident with the Phoenix going into the season but mostly due to missing players from injury which have still not returned. Apparently that may change this week with the possibility of Ryan Broekhoff and ZouQi returning to the line up in the next game and Gary Brown possibly the week after. Im still not very high on them at least until Brown is back and we see how they play as a team with the new starters onto the team. 

New Zealand Breakers 

The Breakers are looking solid but like Tasmania may get better as the season progresses. They look to still be establishing their play style and with some young players they may need some time to find the their feet before putting up some big wins. William McDowell White will be a great floor general when he can find where his team-mates want the ball. 

Adelaide 36ers

Adelaide did what no other NBL squad has been able to in history by taking down the Phoenix Suns! they put on an absolute shooting clinic to take an unprecedented win. However they did turn around and get absolutely rolled by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Was it just a hot shooting night or are Adelaide about to return and roll through to the top of the NBL. Im not sure but Craig Randall looks like he can put up big numbers on any night. They may not start as well as others are expecting until Daniel Johnson returns to the lineup, but when fully healthy I can see them going toe to toe with Sydney. This is CJ's team and they look good!

Perth Wildcats

The Wildcats are looking stronger and stronger with every game they play. Bryce Cotton is balling out night in and night out, but their role players are stepping up to contribute everywhere, and put them in the top 2 to start the season. Luke Travers is playing excellent D and is everywhere, while Todd Blantchfield was absolutely on fire in this 350th game of this career. Brady Manek and Teshawn Thomas are contributing both inside and from the perimeter. The Wildcats look to have a well rounded team that has been made for Bryce Cotton to continue to be the MVP calibre player he is. At this stage in the season its a two horse race with Sydney and Perth the standout teams. Thomas did go down with an ankle injury but missing him and Corey Webster did not hamper their ability to beat down the Cairns Taipans. They may have some difficulty to overcome losing them and I will be interested to hear when they are back. Against stronger defensive teams they may struggle until they both return to the lineup. 

Illawarra Hawks

The Hawks have a had a tough start to the season matching up against some strong teams with their only win against the SE Melbourne Phoenix. The Hawks are looking a little shaky without Brian Goojian at the helm and after losing Justin Robinson with a torn meniscus the Hawks may have a tough run the next few games until they find a replacement. Tyler Harvey will have to be playing his best to keep them in the hunt this week. 

Nbl23 Round 2 tips

 NBL23 Round 2

Date.

Time.

Home Team.

Away Team.

Location

Thu 6 Oct

19:30 AEDT

Illawarra Hawks.

SE Melbourne Phoenix

WIN Entertainment Centre

Fri 7 Oct

17:30 AEDT

NZ Breakers.

Tasmania JackJumpers

Spark Arena

Fri 7 Oct

19:30 AEDT

Sydney Kings.

Brisbane Bullets.

Qudos Bank Arena

Sat 8 Oct

17:30 AEDT

SE Melbourne Phoenix

Cairns Taipans.

John Cain Arena

Sat 8 Oct

20:00 AEDT

Perth Wildcats

Illawarra Hawks.

RAC Arena

Sun 9 Oct

14:00 AEDT

Tasmania JackJumpers

Brisbane Bullets

MyState Bank Arena

Sun 9 Oct

16:00 AEDT

Melbourne United.

Sydney Kings

John Cain Arena

Mon 10 Oct

19:30 AEDT

Cairns Taipans.

Perth Wildcats

Cairns Convention Centre

I missed some picks in round 1 but I think the NBL blitz may have given a bad reference for how players will perform this season. No one could hit a shot at the Blitz and if that was due to the rims, the heat or the giant fans in the arena in Darwin I don't know, but players who looked average there are looking like stars on their home courts. I think you can throw an analysis made at the blitz out the window going into the season. 

Illawarra Hawks vs SE Melb Phoenix Thursday 6th Oct

The SE Melb phoenix had a great start getting a solid win over the 2nd place Tasmania Jackjumpers in round one, off the back of some phenomenal basketball from Kyle Adnam who dropped a 30 piece in the opening game! 

I can not see Adnam following up that performance against the Illawarra Hawks, who suffered a tough loss to the Sydney Kings in Round 1. Mitch Creek played his all round solid game but never looked to take over as he often does. I think he is still not 100% healthy but still a good player. The Hawks looked to struggle to get their offence going at times against the Kings but I think they will turn that around and watch out for Tyler Harvey to have a big game after a quieter round 1. I am excited to see if Kyle Adnam can back up his shooting from game 1, hopefully his shoulder didn't carry any injury through to this week. 

I've got Hawks by 6. 

New Zealand Breakers vs Tasmania Jackjumpers Friday 7th Oct

New Zealand went down to Melbourne United by 4 points in round 1 but are looking pretty strong despite that. While the Jackjumpers suffered back to back losses in Round 1 to the SE Melb Phoenix and the Cairns Taipans. I think New Zealand should get the win in their home court but Tasmania will want to at least see it competitive after the big loss to Cairns. (22 points)

New Zealand 8 points

Sydney Kings vs Brisbane Bullets Friday 7th Oct

Sydney had a good win against the Illawarra Hawks with their new imports really stepping up to make some statement plays. I think this will be a good close game and tough to pick. Watch out for Xavier Cooks to start to find his feet and attack more often. He Started to look comfortable getting to the basket with ease late in the game in round 1. Brisbane need to find Baynes more often inside to utilise him more on offence and he needs to stay out of foul trouble for Brisbane to pull off a win. Cooks may attack him early to create that foul trouble for Baynes which will spell trouble for Brisbane. With Sobey still no where near 100% I don't think Brisbane have the fire power to keep up with Sydney. 

Sydney by 5. 

SE Melbourne Phoenix vs Cairns Taipans Saturday  8th Oct

Cairns Taipans had a big win over the Tasmania Jackjumpers who had a very competitive match against the Phoenix. I wasn't impressed with Cairns after the Blitz but I think round 1 has shown shooting was not realistic at the Blitz and Cairns could surprise people with the amount of shooting they have. 

Along with the Phoenix playing two games this round and Creek still not 100% I've got Cairns to take the home win. 

Cairns by 11

Perth Wildcats Vs Illawarra Hawks Sat 8th Oct

Second game in two days for the hawks against a well rested and at Home Perth wildcats team is a tough ask for the Hawks. Bryce Cotton looked his MVP best in game 1. I cant see them dropping this one. It really is amazing how consistent Cotton has been over his NBL career. As well scouted and known he is in the league and is still unstoppable! 

Perth by 12

JackJumpers vs Brisbane Bullets Sunday 9th Oct

Both teams are on their second game of the round and both will be looking for what may be their first win. Brisbane have the roster to and the power forwards to really push Tasmania inside. Hopefully Baynes will have a big game and can carry Brisbane to a win.

Brisbane by 8

Melbourne United vs Sydney Kings Sunday 9th Oct

This is a marque match up for the weekend with two teams coming off of strong wins in the first round. Very tough to call with both teams looking like they have found some very talented imports to combine with their MVP calibre local talent. If  Xavier cooks can shut down Raion Tucker and someone can slow down Chris Goulding I think Sydney should win. But with both teams being able to shoot the lights out I think whoever plays better defense will win it. Should be a barn burner of a match! 

Sydney by 2

Cairns Taipans vs Perth Wildcats Monday 10th Oct

Cairns are team that will probably win or lose big. They have selected a hot shooting team where is the shots aren’t dropping it will be a long night. Perth are well rounded and may have some troubles getting buckets if Bryce Cotton isn’t carrying the team. I should probably pic Perth for the safe bet but I’ll go Cairns to shoot the lights and get the win. 

Cairns by 4