It’s do or die for the table-topping Sydney Kings after dropping the first game of the NBL grand final series at home. Friday’s (13/3/2020) NBL 2020 Grand Final match is between Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats. We take a look at both teams odds and give our tips and value tips for the match.
When: Sunday March 15, 5:05PM
Where: Perth Arena
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
The Perth Wildcats are looking to avoid a trip back east and wrap up consecutive titles with a victory in front of their home fans.
The Wildcats took out the grand final opener 88-86, overcoming a five-point deficit at three-quarter time.
NBL MVP Bryce Cotton (32 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast) was head and shoulders above every player on the court. Nick Kay (14 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast) was also strong for Perth. Heavily criticised of late, big-name Sydney veteran Andrew Bogut led his side with 18 points on 8-11 shooting and had a game-high 11 rebounds. Jae’sean Tate was well-contained and will be looking to exert a bigger influence on game two.
The Wildcats have won six of their last seven against the Kings. The Kings won the first battle of the heavyweights this season, a 104-85 blowout in Sydney. But the Wildcats won the subsequent three encounters: 96-77 and 110-100 in Perth, either side of a 98-85 victory in Sydney.
The Kings are appearing in their first NBL grand final series since 2008, chasing the franchise’s first title since their 2003-05 three-peat. The Wildcats, meanwhile, featured in seven grand final series in the past decade and have won three of the last four NBL titles.
The Wildcats boast a 13-3 home record this season, winning their last seven straight – including both home semis against the Taipans. The Kings are 8-7 on the road, winning just two of their last seven. A 125-80 semi-final beatdown at the hands of Melbourne in Melbourne will still be fresh in the Sydneysiders’ minds ahead of this trip.
The Wildcats, $1.48 favourites here, will seal the NBL crown at home – they have all the momentum, better form and are such a tough beat at home. But don’t expect a blowout, with the Kings set to go down fighting.
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Odds:
Tip: Perth Wildcats at $2.75
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change