Round 4 of the Australian NBL campaign started with two high-scoring contests as the New Zealand Breakers and Melbourne United both hit the century mark in impressive victories. Will the scoring continue in Thursday’s Adelaide 36ers vs. Tasmania JackJumpers matchup?
The season’s fourth round, which will consist of eight games, tipped off with the Breakers (1-4) bashing Illawarra Hawks (0-3) 117-88 to open their account for the season and Melbourne United (4-0) continuing a perfect start to the season with an impressive 107-93 road win over the Sydney Kings (1-2).
The lone other undefeated team will be in action at Adelaide Entertainment Center, as the 36ers will look to improve to 3-0 for the season with a victory vs. the visiting JackJumpers (3-1).
Despite sending former NBA star Montrezl Harrell on his way two weeks ago due to his provisional ban for a positive THC test while playing in China, the 36ers are off to a strong start thanks to superstar signing Bryce Cotton.
Cotton, the winner of the last seven NBL scoring titles, scored 39 points in his Adelaide debut against the Brisbane Bullets and 28 in a win over the Cairns Taipans last Thursday.
Will Cotton continue pouring in the points and lead Adelaide to a third straight victory? Read on for our 36ers vs. JackJumpers prediction and picks and get the best odds from top online sportsbooks such as BetOnline.
Adelaide 36ers vs. Tasmania JackJumpers Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide 36ers | -4.5 (-115) | -205 | Over 177 (-110) |
| Tasmania JackJumpers | +4.5 (-105) | +177 | Under 177 (-110) |
Adelaide 36ers vs. Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction and Picks
Prediction: Adelaide 36ers to win
The loss of a Harrell was a big blow for the 36ers, but early returns are still rather positive for Adelaide. They have not finished above .500 since the 2017/18 season, but the addition of Cotton should end that stretch.
In the opener, Cotton made 14 of 23 shots, including 6 of 9 from three, and sank all five of his free throws to lift the 36ers to the victory over the Bullets on September 28.
In Cairns last week, Cotton connected 11 of 18 shots, including 4 of 8 from outside, and made both of his free throws in Adelaide’s 110-79 rout.
Expect more of the same in this 36ers vs. JackJumpers matchup. Dating back to last season with the Perth Wildcats, Cotton has scored 30+ points in 13 of his last 17 NBL games, with eight 35+ games, five 40+ games, and a 50-point game (an NBL-record 59 points against the Breakers last December 1).
But it is not just a one-man show for Adelaide, with some other former American college players also contributing. Former Kentucky big man Isaac Humphries and Flynn Cameron (DePaul and UC Riverside) have scored in double digits in both games, D.J. Vasiljevic (Miami) scored 19 points against Cairns, and Zylan Cheatham (San Diego State and Arizona State) has 24 rebounds, a dozen points, and nine assists in two games.
The JackJumpers are off to a solid start, having won three in a row since a season-opening loss to Melbourne United. They are riding high with consecutive away wins over the Wildcats, Hawks, and Bullets, but that streak is likely to come to an end in Adelaide.
36ers vs. JackJumpers Picks
1) Adelaide 36ers -4.5 (-115 at BetOnline)
Other than the back end of the second quarter and the fourth quarter against the Bullets, in which they were off the mark but still won comfortably, it has been largely smooth sailing for the 36ers, and I expect them to continue this strong start vs. the JackJumpers.
2) 36ers/JackJumpers First Quarter Over 44.5 (-117 at Lucky Rebel)
Adelaide’s first two games have not been short on first-quarter excitement. In the opener against Brisbane, the 36ers outscored the Bullets 27-20. And in the win in Cairns, the 36ers jumped out to a 36-23 advantage after a quarter.
3) Adelaide 36ers First Quarter -1.5 (-110 at Bovada)
A high-scoring first quarter should accompany a positive start for the 36ers vs. the JackJumpers. Tasmania has given up at least 21 points in the first quarter of each game thus far, and when the NBL’s best scorer is on the other side, that is not ideal even if they have been up to the task defensively when it mattered in every game but one thus far.
4) Bryce Cotton Over 28.5 Points (-105 at Bovada)
With how Cotton can score and what he has done to start this season, this bet at these odds feels like a real no-brainer. Even if he doesn’t shoot 60% or better for the third straight game, volume may help this one go over after he took 23 shots against the Bullets and 18 against the Taipans.
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