Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans Prediction, Tips & Odds – Jan. 02, 2023 09:30 CET
Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans Prediction 02.01.2023. The Illawarra Hawks will open their 2023 account against the Cairns Taipans on Monday night at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
We found the best odds for this game at the popular Bet365 sportsbook. You will get an attractive Welcome Bonus for all newly registered customers if you register today. Check our article if you wonder how to claim this Bet365 Welcome Bonus.
Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans Odds
Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans 1×2: 2.70/1.47
Asian Handicap (+4.5/-4.5): 1.95/1.87
Total Over/Under (171.5): 1.91/1.91
Odds via Bet365 Sportsbook.
Illawarra Hawks Team News
The return of Michael Frazier and Tyler Harvey wasn´t enough for the Hawks to keep themselves afloat against the Perth Wildcats, who took control of the game after the opening frame and never allowed Illawarra to come back. The hosts also suffered a double blow as they lost one of their import players, Peyton Siva, to a shoulder injury.
The score was actually tied at the start of the final quarter, but the Hawks never looked like they could come back and turn the game around. Returnee Tyler Harvey topscored the game with 28 points, but his team couldn´t provide enough help as it simply doesn´t have the required rotation and quality to win consistently and fight for the title.
Cairns Taipans Team News
Two days ago the Taipans pulled off a true New Year´s Eve miracle. Midway through the fourth quarter of their clash against the 36ers, the game seemed surely out of reach for Cairns. Leading by 16 points with only five minutes left, the guests were ready to celebrate, but the Taipans had different plans and produced a stunning comeback.
With an improbable 18-0 run in the final minutes, the hosts erased Adelaide´s strong third-quarter performance and came away with one of the most memorable NBL wins ever. What makes their comeback even more impressive, is the fact they were playing without the league´s leading rebounder and their MVP candidate Keanu Pinder.
He will most likely continue to remain out of action as his scans revealed a ligament strain sustained in the game against Melbourne ten days ago.
Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans Prediction
The status of Peyton Siva remains unknown, but the Hawks are already used to playing with an incomplete roster this season. On the other hand, there is a high likelihood that Cairns will once again have to deal with the absence of their frontcourt enforcer Keanu Pinder.
Lack of his presence wasn´t felt against Adelaide, so even if he remains out this Monday his team should have enough to weather the storm and build on their impossible comeback win.
Kick-off time: Monday, 02.01.2023 09:30 CET
Prediction: Halftime/Fulltime – Cairns Taipans/Cairns Taipans
Odds: 1.83
Sportsbook: bet365
