NBL – Illawarra Hawks v Adelaide 36ers

Posted on January 27, 2016January 29, 2016 | Posted by Sportsbettingmax.com

Thursday January 28, 4.30 PM (WST), Win Entertainment Complex

It is third versus fourth in Illawarra and the Hawks will need to rebound quickly to hold out the rampaging 36 ers.

Game rating – Illawarra 99 v Adelaide 93

The availability of Kirk Penney has never been more important all year as the Hawks prepare to welcome the 36 ers who are on a six game winning streak.  The Hawks were abysmal in Perth, going down to the Wildcats without a whimper (95-72) and if they go into this series without Penney they could well go 0-2 and slip to fourth.  Adelaide have been nothing short of brilliant in the past few weeks, riding on the back of league MVP favourite Jerome Randle who appears unstoppable in his current form. The need for Penney to be able to support Kevin Lisch is paramount in stopping the 36 ers and also generating their own offensive attack from outside the arc.

Prediction

Adelaide come into this match brimming with confidence, following a come from behind defeat of Melbourne United (90-81) last Friday in Adelaide.  They lead the series 1-0 following a round 7 home court win (89-77) and it would be fair to say that both sides have improved plenty since then.  The Hawks have gone 10-3 since that loss and the 36 ers 9-3.  Both sides love to shoot the ball so expect a high scoring match. The markets look too far apart and with their extra depth off the pine, Adelaide can cause an upset. (With or without Penney)

Suggested Bets

Option 1 – Adelaide with the +5.5 at $1.87

Option 2  – Game total OVER (provided set no higher than 190.5)

Option 3 – Adelaide to win $2.95

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