Wellington Saints vs Franklin Bulls: Analysis and Prediction – Wellington Saints will play a 12th round NBL NZ match against the Franklin Bulls at the TSB Arena.
Wellington Saints vs Franklin Bulls Odds
Wellington Saints vs Franklin Bulls (1/2): 1.41 / 2.68
Asian Handicap (-5.5 / +5.5): 1.85 / 1.85
Total Over/Under (189.5): 1.87 / 1.83
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
Wellington Saints Team News
Following a rough patch with only two wins from five games that threatened to derail the Saints season, Wellington have found form again and won two straight matches against Manawatu and Taranaki. That currently puts them in fourth place in the standings with a 10-4 W-L record.
The Wellington Saints were without arguably their best player Hyrum Harris in the previous round on the road against the Taranaki Airs, but that didn´t prevent them from snatching a win and upsetting the hosts 96:85. The Saints play at one of the highest paces in the league with Tohi Smith-Milner, Taane Samuel and Malik Benlevi making up for the absence of Harris. In addition, Wellington have just signed a new American import, Terry Henderson, which will even further add to their already supreme firepower. In today´s contest they will be difficult to slow down with their barrage of three points and also knowing that the Bulls are struggling against the top 4 teams.
The Bulls have only picked up one win so far against a top 4 team and it was against a heavily shorthanded Rams side. That, along with home-court advantage and a new signing, gives clear advantage to the Wellington Saints, who should be able to once again beat Franklin after taking them down on the road.
Franklin Bulls Team News
The Franklin Bulls find themselves in solid form, winning their last three out of five games. They also have two wins on the trot against Southland and Manawatu, which currently puts them in fifth place in the standings with a 9-4 W-L record.
Even though the Bulls won their last two games, they had an easy schedule against the lowly Manawatu and Southland. In the tougher games against Wellington and Nelson they were on the losing end and what´s even more worrying is the fact they only have one win against a top 4 team so far and it was against a heavily undermanned Canterbury. Franklin should struggle today against the three-point shooting and the pace of the Saints, but they have the ability to slow them down with the fourth best scoring defense in the league. However, their lack of three-point shooting will hurt them as they are bound to lose this game.
Franklin need to start winning games against the upper echelon teams if they want to have a chance for a home game in the final six of the playoffs. However, that will hardly happen today away from home against the in-form and reinforced Wellington Saints, who have a more talented and superior roster.
Every day, “Basketball Sphere” provides all its readers with the best predictions for today’s games.
If you are reading our analysis for the first time, then it is important to mention that every day we also offer to our readers a “Acca of the Day” completely free.
Wellington Saints vs Franklin Bulls H2H
In the first head-to-head clash a little under a month ago, the Wellington Saints pulled off a narrow road victory against the Franklin Bulls by two points (87:85).
Absences and injuries
The Wellington Saints will be without the injured Hyrum Harris and Lat Mayen, who is suspended, while the Franklin Bulls have a full lineup at their disposal.
Wellington Saints vs Franklin Bulls Prediction
Today´s game will determine what tier these teams end up on when we get to the end of the season and whether they will have home advantage in the playoffs. Even though the Saints are missing a crucial scorer in Harris, they already got used to playing without him and just signed a new American import, which makes them clear favourites in today´s contest. That is why we opted for the Saints to win and to cover the spread.
Tip-off Time: Sunday, 16.06.2024. 08:30 CET
Prediction: Wellington Saints -5.5
Odds: 1.85
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
We found the best odds for this game at the popular 22Bet sportsbook. You will get an attractive Welcome Bonus for all newly registered customers if you register today.
Top Betting Offers 2024: