Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats NBL betting tips – 7/3/21

Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats NBL betting preview

Two of the top three NBL sides will clash at John Cain Arena this Sunday when the Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats face off in round eight’s final match.

The Wildcats have always been a strong NBL franchise, and this season has been no different, as they sit second on the NBL ladder and are the only team to defeat Melbourne United.

With seven wins from their 12 matches, the Hawks sit third in the NBL standings and are looking to usurp the Wildcats this Sunday.

Five of the Wildcats’ 10 matches have been against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, while they have also played Melbourne United multiple times, meaning this will only be their sixth unique opponent of the season.

The Wildcats have not lost a match to a non-Victorian franchise, and they will look to keep that streak alive this weekend.

Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats NBL betting predictions

Bryce Cotton to score 25+ points
Former NBL MVP Bryce Cotton has played plenty of basketball Down Under, but this has been his best scoring season yet, averaging just under 25 points per game. The Hawks have allowed opposition guards to score heavily in recent contests, including Scott Machado and his 31-point haul in round six.

Highest-scoring half: second
Both head coaches run well-drilled offensive units that can last four quarters, where they have identified favourable match ups and exploited them. The Wildcats have been more consistent with their overall scoring, often running out games with a scoring flurry from their superstar Bryce Cotton, but their entire starting five should contribute well in the second half of this match.

Perth Wildcats to win
Although this match could go either way, we think the Wildcats are always a side you should put your money towards, as they have built a strong winning culture over the past few seasons. Playing one of the best NBL teams five times in the first nine rounds and winning the majority of the matches is not easy, which is what pushes us to back the Wildcats here.