Nelson Giants vs Otago Nuggets: Analysis and Prediction – Nelson Giants will play a 15th round NBL NZ match against the Otago Nuggets at the Trafalgar Centre.
Nelson Giants vs Otago Nuggets Odds
Nelson Giants vs Otago Nuggets (1/2): 1.04 / 8.49
Asian Handicap (-6.5 / +6.5): 1.79 / 1.92
Total Over/Under (181.5): 1.81 / 1.89
Nelson Giants Team News
In the previous round, the Nelson Giants continued with their inconsistent run of form as they succumbed at home to the lowly Southland Sharks (83:98). However, they are still prime candidates for the playoffs and the sixth spot and currently sit in sixth place in the standings with an 8-10 W-L record.
The Nelson Giants entered their last matchup against the Southland Sharks heavily undermanned as they were forced to release one of their import centers Theo Akwuba and were without their second center Dan Fotu due to international duty. Lacking serious size in the interior, they simply couldn´t keep up with the Southland Sharks and in the end lost by double-digits. For today´s game Dan Fotu should return, but the release of import Theo Akwuba will have a serious impact on their frontcourt. However, they are still the favourites entering today´s contest as they have the playoff fate completely in their hands with a win today locking up the sixth and final playoff spot.
Today´s match is the game of the season for the Nelson Giants as a win would seal a playoff berth. They should have Dan Fotu back, which will seriously bolster their hampered frontcourt, which has been impacted by the loss of the import center Theo Akwuba. If Dan Grida and the rest of the Giants perform up to the standard against the shorthanded Nuggets, then Nelson look prime to secure a playoff spot this Friday.
Otago Nuggets Team News
The heavily shorthanded Otago Nuggets have suffered four consecutive defeats, which have completely extinguished their playoff hopes as they currently sit in eight place in the standings with a 6-12 W-L record.
The Otago Nuggets started off the season well, but completely collapsed in the second part of it. Due to missing three crucial players, Australian import Ben Henshall, best domestic player Tai Webster and Dontae Russo-Nance, they have lost four consecutive games (three of them by double-digits) and are officially out of playoff contention. For today´s game they will still be heavily shorthanded missing their stalwarts Henshall, Webster and Russo-Nance, which makes them huge underdogs in the matchup against the Giants.
The Nuggets are only playing for pride and will have to heavily rely on their bench players and rotation due to their heavy absences. Nelson are also missing some players, but it can´t be compared to the absences of Otago, who are heavily undermanned and realistically don´t stand a chance in this match.
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Nelson Giants vs Otago Nuggets H2H
In the first head-to-head clash two months ago, the Otago Nuggets routinely beat the Nelson Giants at home by 13 points (107:94).
Absences and injuries
The Nelson Giants will be without Theo Akwuba, while the Otago Nuggets will be without the services of Tai Webster, Dontae Russo-Nance and Ben Henshall.
Nelson Giants vs Otago Nuggets Prediction
The Nuggets are in horrible form and without three crucial scorers. On the other hand, the Nelson Giants are only missing one of their imports and are desperate to win this game to secure the playoffs. That is why we opted for the Nelson Giants to win and to cover the spread.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 05.07.2024. 09:30 CET
Prediction: Nelson Giants -6.5
Odds: 1.78
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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