Sports

NBL – Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks

Thursday January 21, 6.30 PM , Perth Arena

Perth Arena will be rocking when the second placed Wildcats host the third placed Hawks in a game with more sub-plots than an episode of “Game of Thrones”.

Game rating – Perth 89 v Illawarra 93

Indeed there is much more than the points on offer in this explosive match-up.  Former coaches, players and captains will be putting their reputations on the line as these two powerhouse clubs trade blows in Perth.  The first mystery is the possibility of Kirk Penny not suiting up due to hamstring tightness.  If Penny does not play it could well be Mission Impossible for the Hawks.  The Wildcats celebrated returning to Perth Arena last Friday after five road games with a demolition of an inept Sydney Kings (95-68).  The Hawks went home and away and posted two wins over the Breakers with the final win in Auckland, settled in Double OT with the Hawks winning (96-103).

Prediction

This series is currently 3-0 to the Wildcats with wins away in Round 3 (99-106) and Round 6 (96-99) and the home court win in Round 4 (91-62). The Hawks have struggled in keeping top sides to defendable totals, especially away and for this reason the Cats have a great chance to score 90+ again. The recent high work load is a genuine concern for the Hawks with two games last week, Thursday at home and then on the road to NZ Sunday (Double OT)  before heading back to Perth on Thursday.  This is shaping as a good match for the Cats inside power game to be too strong for the Hawks.

Suggested Bets

Perth Wildcats to win at $1.45 and to cover the -3.5 spread.

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