The Dragons are now favourites for the championship with Centrebet at $2.85. The Tigers, post-SMac-news, have dropped to $3.15. The Breakers have shortened to $4.50 but obviously the bookies are not sold yet despite their record this season, or are not being pressured by big bets.
Adelaide are holding fairly steady now at $17, fifth favourite.
The Hawks, at $81, are quite long. They were competitive last season with more-or-less one import, have added reliable Rychart and a Boomer in Saville. Also, their ladder position is hardly woeful and they're strong at home - any team who can defend their home court is some luck on the road away from winning a series.
For tonight's game, I think the Dragons will bounce back to give Goorjian his 500th win. The Dragons did win by 19 at the Hawks venue last time, but that came on 17/31 3P and I'm not sure they'll repeat that. 1-10 is my guess.
Tragardh is good enough to go up against Burston, but has had back soreness this week which might limit him.
The NBL's fast facts highlights poor Mika Vukona this week:
Last weekend against the Spirit, Dragons forward Mika Vukona made just 2-from-10 free-throws as South shot a miserable 51% (19-from-37). That effort puts Vukona in an unfortunate list of the players to have shot the worst from the charity stripe. On the year, Vukona is 11-from-35 (31%).
NBL's lowest makes from at least 10 FT attempts:
0-from-11 Neil Richardson for Canberra 1979
1-from-10 Jayson Wells for Canberra 2001
2-from-11 James Bullock for Newcastle 1990
2-from-11 Jayson Wells for Canberra 2003
2-from-10 Mika Vukona for South 2009
2-from-10 Larry Abney for Townsville 2007
2-from-10 Paul Rees for North Melbourne 1994
Edit: From Stanley of OzHoops fame:
Petrie is doubtful - didnt train yesterday
Campbell also missed training with a virus
Trigger injured his back against Adelaide and was considered doubtful but should play according to the Mercury
Also mentioned that he thought Groves might be doubtful for the Dragons. Groves had 20+ for South last time these sides met.