Auckland Tuatara vs. Otago Nuggets Prediction, Tips & Odds – Jun. 16, 2022
After not playing for almost two weeks, the Otago Nuggets head to Auckland to face the league leaders Tuatara. Compared to their last game, we will be watching a vastly different Nuggets roster without two key pieces so the hosts have an ideal chance to snap their 2-game losing streak.
Auckland Tuatara vs Otago Nuggets Odds
Auckland Odds: 1.42
Otago Odds: 2.81
Total Over (164.5): 1.85
Total Under (164.5): 1.84
Auckland Tuatara Team News
Last week top of the table Tuatara suffered two defeats away from home but managed to retain the top position. The Taranaki Airs broke their hearts with Anthony Hilliard making the game-winning shot in the final seconds and in their following game against the Manawatu Jets they failed to recover.
It was a loss similar to the one they suffered to the Airs just two days prior. Another unexpected heartbreak defeat in the final moments didn´t compromise their top spot but this week they need to undergo a swift turnaround if they want to retain their position.
The Tuatara haven´t forgotten how to win all of a sudden and will definitely fancy their chances against the undermanned Nuggets. In addition, it will be Chris Johnson´s farewell apperance in the New Zealand NBL as Auckland´s best player and probably the best player in the league is leaving the team after this game.
He has been one of, if not the, best player in the @nznbl this season. He’s awesome guy to boot – come say thanks for everything he’s done for us in his final game on Thursday night.
Tickets via https://t.co/YtdlCtULDw@skysportnz #TuataraBasketball pic.twitter.com/w2aq0Q59VR— Auckland Tuatara Basketball (@TuataraBball) June 13, 2022
Otago Nuggets Team News
The depth of the Otago Nuggets will be tested as they visit New Zealand´s most populous city after their best player and the league´s most elite defender, Tahjere McCall, said goodbye to his teammates after their last game against the Nelson Giants.
The Giants made sure they spoiled the party and took down McCall´s Nuggets with a big comeback in the second half claiming an 89:78 win. Otago´s roster woes intensified just days after the game as their best domestic player and key starter, Nikau McCullough, got selected to play for New Zealand at the upcoming FIBA 3×3 World Cup.
The rotation of the Nuggets was already one of the shortest ones in the league so losing two of their best players will be a massive blow against the best team in the league.
Full time.
#nuggsnation #ourtownourcity #Enjoy #SENZ #SKYSport #NightnDay @skysportnz @nznbl @senz_radio @nightndaynzCreative partner @bettercreativenz pic.twitter.com/6I2uVQwQX6
— Otago Nuggets (@otagonuggetsnbl) June 4, 2022
Auckland Tuatara vs Otago Nuggets Prediction
To say the Nuggets are in an uncomfortable position heading into this game would be an understatement. The hosts are desperate to win and fortify themselves at the top and this game is a prime opportunity to do so. We are expecting Chris Johnson to go out with a bang and lead his team to victory so we will back the Tuatara to cover the spread.
Prediction: Handicap Auckland Tuatara (-6.5)
Odds: 1.85
Bookmaker: 22Bet
Date and time: 16.06.2022 09:30 CET
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