The Cairns Taipans have a semi-finals spot within their grasp after winning seven of their last eight games. Friday’s (31/1/2020) NBL 2020 Round 18 match is between Cairns Taipans and Illawarra Hawks. We take a look at both teams odds and give our tips and value tips for the match.
When: Friday January 31, 8:00PM
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
The 14-10 Taipans kept their roll going with a one-point road win over the Phoenix in Round 17, surviving a last-quarter surge from the hosts.
Despite their woeful campaign, the Hawks remain on a nine-game winning streak against the Taipans. Illawarra have won all three of the teams’ clashes so far this season – 89-88 and 114-106 at home, and 101-91 in Cairns.
Their remarkable dominance of the Taipans accounts for more than half of the 5-19 Hawks’ wins this season. The wooden spooners elect are on a six-game losing streak, compounded by LaMelo Ball’s season-ending injury. They were pumped 102-79 at home by the Kings last weekend.
The Taipans are a different team to the one that last lost to the Hawks more than two months ago. Nine of the Hawks’ last 13 losses were by double-digit margins, suggest the Taipans should cover.
Odds:
Tip: Cairns Taipans at $1.12
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change