Sports

NBL – Cairns Taipans v Perth Wildcats

Wednesday January 6, 4.30 PM, Cairns Convention Centre

The Wildcats are back in action against their old nemesis the Cairns Taipans in Far North Queensland.

Game rating – Cairns Taipans 81 vs Perth Wildcats 86

As Cairns and the Wildcats prepare for their third battle this season and the second played in Cairns, speculation still swirls around the availability of top guard Markel Starks who injured his hamstring in the game when Perth last visited Cairns.  On that occasion the Taipans had control of the game until the Starks injury which seemed to be a turning point with the Cats methodically closing to win 70-73.  Prior to that they met at Perth Arena with the Wildcats winning a thriller (91-90).

Prediction

The Taipans beat the Breakers in an upset (73-66) in Cairns on New Year’s Eve before losing to the Kings in Sydney (87-77) last Saturday.  The Cats are fresh after the week off and previous to that were never quite on their game, losing to United in Melbourne (92-87).  The Taipans have been dangerous when returning home from away losses with some big scalps including Melbourne, NZ and Illawarra but have been beaten by the 36ers and the Cats in Cairns.  The Wildcats are playing their fifth consecutive road game but fresh off the break can get the job done and cover the line against the Taipans.

Suggested Bets

Perth Wildcats at $1.68 to win and cover the -2.5 spread on TABTouch.

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