Melbourne United vs. Cairns Taipans Prediction, Tips & Odds – Dec. 23, 2022 09:30 CET
NBL23 season has a very exciting schedule for the holidays, starting with the Open Air Game between Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans at John Cain Area on Friday night.
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.
Melbourne United Team News
For this highly anticipated clash in a roofless arena, the Taipans will be a worthy opponent to United, who have recently improved after they started fielding a full roster. The return of Mason Peatling along with a couple of other pieces has resulted with a solid improvement as Melbourne are now well and truly alive in the playoff fight.
They have enough quality to reach the playoffs, but we still don´t see them as one of the title contenders. However, if their star returnee Mason Peatling continues to play at an MVP level like in the last game, anything is possible. His contribution would make up for a lot of deficits in Melbourne´s roster, which has suffered a lot in the last two years.
Cairns Taipans Team News
Three days ago the Taipans were overrun by the Wildcats, who didn´t even give them a chance in the second half. This time the fast-paced tempo didn´t work out for the hosts. They actually didn´t have a bad game because Perth made 16 threes and shot well above 40% from downtown.
Cairns are now looking to recover, but playing against a full-squad United away from home will be challenging. Since Melbourne now have a long rotation that has enough quality to beat any team in the league, the Taipans needed a new injection of points and rebounds and they got it in view of Sam Waardenburg, who will make his return from injury. He was absent for two games and should provide stability for the guests in this tough clash.
Melbourne United vs. Cairns Taipans Prediction
Betting on total in this game is a real gamble, while predicting the winner is also difficult. Waardenburg missed less time this season and also played in one of the head-to-head games, while Peatling was gone for a longer period and didn´t participate in the h2h games against Cairns.
He should be the difference today and the driving force of United, so we will back the hosts to win with very solid 1.72 moneyline odds.
Kick-off time: Friday, 23.12.2022 09:30 CET
Prediction: Moneyline – Melbourne United
Odds: 1.72
Sportsbook: bet365
