Auckland Tuatara vs. Wellington Saints Prediction, Tips & Odds – Aug. 06, 2022 09:30 CET
The final round of the New Zealand NBL has a special treat in store for us. Just before the start of the playoffs, Auckland have received a massive boost as their best player Chris Johnson is back from the USA. If someone has the capability to finally end the run of the Saints, then it´s definitely this man but he will need an all-around support from the rest of his teammates.
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Auckland Tuatara vs Wellington Saints Odds
Spread Odds (+5.5/-5.5): 1.83
Total Over/Under (176.5): 1.83
Auckland Tuatara Team News
Auckland survived a very tough spell during which they were without the services of a couple of key players including their best player and rim protector. Chris Johnson is now back after playing in the BIG3 and will be more than needed to take down the unstoppable Wellington Saints.
In the last couple of weeks the Tuatara roster looked very short and limited but their team managed to play through all the adversity. The defeats to the Rams and the Sharks slowed Auckland down but despite those losses they more or less managed to secure the playoffs with a massive away win against the Bulls around two weeks ago.
With a full roster, the Tuatara were a force to be reckoned with early during the season. The return of Chris Johnson gives them an instant scoring boost and the best rebounding frontcourt in the league. Auckland will also welcome back another one of their starters Takiula Fahrensohn but will be without Dontae Russo-Nance, who is attending the NBA Global Academy.
Wellington Saints
The hosts are still not safe and can finish anywhere between 2nd and 6th but the Saints are the desperate team in this matchup. Couple of weeks ago the Saints had their backs against the wall and had to win all of their remaining games to make the playoffs after a very poor start.
They decided to stay competitive until the end and signed a new import reinforcement which was exactly what their team needed. Reginald Upshaw has really lifted the entire roster with his presence and scoring but the man of the hour has been the Sydney Kings import Xavier Cooks, who presents a matchup nightmare to all the defenses in the league.
Auckland Tuatara vs. Wellington Saints Prediction
The Saints were in need of a big run to make the playoffs. After their win over the Nelson Giants on Thursday, they are very close but they need to close out the regular season with another win. Auckland are also not playing only for pride and will be buoyed by the return of their leading player, but we think even that won´t be enough to silence the reigning champions.
It should be the game of the season and we expect fireworks from both teams but think the Saints should come out on top and cover the spread.
Date and time: 06.08.2022 09:30 CET
Prediction: Auckland Tuatara (+5.5)
Odds: 1.83
Bookmaker: bet365
