36ers vs Phoenix NBL betting tips & preview | Saturday, 24/12/22

December 23, 2022 12:44 pm.by Jack Hudson

NBL tips and best bets


Adelaide 36ers v South East Melbourne Phoenix BBL Betting Odds & Game Info
Best odds	36ers $1.70 at BetOnline \| Phoenix $2.10 at BetOnline
When	Saturday, December 24
Where	Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Last Time The Met	RD 10, 22/23 Phoenix 102 v 84 36ers

Round twelve of the NBL continues Christmas Eve in Adelaide with the 36ers hosting the South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The 36ers have won their last two starts over the Bullets and JackJumpers in impressive fashion, while the Phoenix have also defeated the Bullets handsomely as well as the Kings.

The greatest concern the 36ers face leading into this match is their losses to the Kings, Wildcats, and Phoenix prior to their two game winning streak. The 36ers will need to learn how to beat the bigger sides in the league to continue their ascent on the NBL ladder, which will need to start Saturday. The Phoenix is just out of reach of the top two on the ladder and beating lower ranked sides like the 36ers needs to be handled without issue if they’re to lock in a top two spot on the ladder.

In the last five matches between these two sides, the Phoenix have been victorious on three occasions. It has been nine months since the Phoenix travelled to Adelaide with that trip being a losing one. However, the road trip can’t be an excuse for this Phoenix side within touching distance of the top two, and if they are to cement their spot at the top of the NBL ladder, they will need to win this match paying $2.10.

The last time these two clubs met it was an incredibly high scoring affair that saw the Phoenix get to the free throw line regularly, with the 36ers also shooting the ball efficiently from inside and outside the three point line. Similarly, when these two clubs last met in Adelaide it was a shootout particularly from the perimeter for the 36ers. Look for this trend to continue with another high scoring match exceeding the 180.5 total match points paying $1.85.

The offensive power the Phoenix have compared to other sides in the NBL is unparalleled. Mitch Creek leads the league in average points per game, as well as field goals made, and free throws attempted. Creek is often supported by Alan Williams and Trey Kell III who also average double-figure points per game. The trio are often facilitated by Ryan Broekhoff, and should the Phoenix get their groove in Adelaide, will record the highest scoring quarter of the match paying $2.

KEY MATCH UP: Craig Randall II v Mitch Creek

The clash between these two guards will be the highlight of the match by far. Randall II is in the top five for the league in point scoring, as well as field goals made, while leading the league in three pointers attempted and made. Randall II will need to lead the 36ers in the face of Creek and the Phoenix if the 36ers are to get the win at home. Creek is an elite scorer inside the three point line who forces his way to the free throw line more often that not. The battle of these two elite scoring guards will likely come down to their defensive efforts on their opponent and the success of their defence will go a long way to winning their side the match.