NBL Wildcats v Hawks betting tips & odds – October 8, 2022

October 7, 2022 5:03 pm.by Jack Hudson

NBL tips and best bets


Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Betting Odds & Game Info
Best odds	Wildcats $1.25 at BetOnline \| Hawks $4 at BetOnline
When	Saturday, October 8 \| 5pm AWST
Where	RAC Arena, Perth
Last time they met	Hawks 82–77 Wildcats (Rd 21, 2021/22)
Watch live	Fox Sports, Kayo

Round two of the NBL continues in Perth with the Wildcats hosting the high-flying Illawarra Hawks. The Wildcats will be looking to build on their dominant win over the Bullets to start their 22/23 season, while the Hawks are aiming to bounce back from their first-round loss to the Sydney Kings.

The Wildcats have won four of their last five over the Hawks, and a few of those by larger margins. Given this and considering the start to the season these two sides have had, the Wildcats should go on to win this game and cover the -9.5 point line.

Both the Wildcats and Hawks are led by their star guards in Bryce Cotton and Tyler Harvey, respectively. Both players were able to shoot at around the 50% FG percentage in the opening round, with Cotton having great room for improvement in his three-point shooting. Look for Cotton to make this improvement as both guards lift their sides and propel the game over the 169.5 line for total match points at $1.93 with BetOnline.

The Wildcats were caught out early when facing the Bullets, who surged to a 15-4 lead early in the first quarter. Perth should learn from their that false start and take lessons into the Hawks clash, winning the race to 10 points at $1.58.

Key matchup: Bryce Cotton vs Tyler Harvey

Bryce Cotton is one of the most skilled and dangerous attackers in the NBL. His footwork and ball-handling skills are almost unparalleled. His speed and agility allow him to get to positions on the court before defenders know he’s moving.

Tyler Harvey is built in a similar mould but will have nightmares about defending Cotton and slowing him down on the offensive end, as well as how he will go about beating Cotton when he has the ball in hand. Harvey will need to lock down on the defensive end, and if he cannot get going on the offensive end, he will need to work out how to get his teammates involved to assist in getting a road win for the Hawks.