Cairns Taipans v Illawarra Hawk betting tips | NBL preview 13/1

Round fifteen of the NBL continues in Cairns with the Taipans hosting the Illawarra Hawks at the Cairns Convention Centre. The Taipans have done a phenomenal job in their four game winning streak and climb to second on the NBL ladder, while the Hawks continue to struggle to find a win.

With just four rounds left in the regular season, matches like these against the Hawks need to become ‘business as usual’ style wins for the Taipans to cement their position in the top two for Finals. For the Hawks, Friday night is entirely about building towards next season.

On their home court, the Taipans are the obvious bet to win this match. With the expected return of Keanu Pinder to the Taipans line up, they only become a bigger chance of winning by a great margin. The $1.90 price for the Taipans to cover the -10.5 line is the smartest bet in the game.

Despite their season averages, both these sides can put big totals on the scoreboard, regardless of whether they are at home or on the road. The last two matches between these two sides have also been high scoring. The 177.5 total match points looks like a bar these two sides should exceed easily in an impressive offensive performance.

When it comes to assessing offensive performances of any side in the league, you won’t find many better than the Taipans. Led by one of the favourites in the MVP race, Pinder, with DJ Hogg and Tahjere McCall in support, the Taipans are a ‘death by one thousand cuts’ type of side where they have so many ways of beating you. This is something the Hawks are all too aware of and the Taipans should record the highest scoring quarter of the match paying $1.33 with the Aussie bookmakers.

KEY MATCH UP: KEANU PINDER v SAM FROLING

The battle between the leaders of these two sides will be the highlight of the night. Not only are these two men club captains, but they are also leaders in their side for scoring and field goal percentage. If the Hawks are any chance of winning, Froling will need to stand up in the face of Pinder who may return from injury to take any advantage that may give him. On the other hand, Pinder will have an increased roll in facilitating for his team mates to ensure he does no long term damage to his ankle that could sink the Taipans Finals chances for this season, as well as his own chances as an MVP candidate.

Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks NBL match prediction

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