NBL Dream Team: Round 5 Preview

Huge scores are becoming a bit of a thing for this season as the popular players delivered the goods. Another round with lots of big scorers with double matches should see the party continue.

 

Reviewing Round 4

The top honours were an complete draw this round as both Julian Kazzouh and AJ Ogilvy managed to both score 94 and both did it by scoring 80 in their first game and then 14 in their second. Kevin Lisch (92) wasn’t far behind though he looks like he might have left his injury concerns behind. There was also clump of popular players who scored in the 70’s as Matthew Knight (78), Majok Majok (72), Kirk Penny (70) and Torrey Craig (70) all put up nice totals, but were out done by Daniel Johnson who only needed one game to get his 76. Townsville had all the best value picks this week as Nick Kay was followed by Corey Maynard (44) and Mitch Norton (54).

As well as the collection of players shown who all finished on -4, a few popular picks didn’t step and won’t be popular very soon. Everard Bartlett (6) had his stocks hit rock bottom as he’s just not getting the opportunity now that Webster is back. Cameron Gliddon and Oscar Forman both crashed back to earth with 18’s while Mitch Creek (10) just hasn’t found the form that many thought he would have this season. Al Harrington looks like he’s going to need some time to adjust to the NBL and only got 22.

 

Get Ready for Round 5

Last time I listed a player as cheap as Corey Webster as a premium target it was Beal who has proceeded to thoroughly under-deliver since. I don’t think that will be a problem for Webster as he has really gained something from his time overseas. I was sceptical of Jerome Randle initially as he was looking like a shoot first player, and while he still put up lots of shots, he got 9 assists in the most recent match and looks like he’s starting to mesh with the team. An option not mentioned above is Casey Prather who is back in for the Wildcats and he looked like he’s worked the NBL out a bit more with his extra bench time and could be big with Perth’s double header against Townsville.

Majok Majok is clearly making the most of Warrick’s absence and with Melbourne getting Garrett Jackson as a replacement (who you shouldn’t trade in) then it looks like they’re expecting Warrick to be out for a while. Marcus Thornton looks like he might have found his place and will be doing all he can to make sure that he’s not cut when Childress is fit again. Don’t get tricked by Brad Hill’s big week, he’s unlikely to continue getting sufficient court time to keep getting good scores.

I’m inclined to go with Matthew Knight as my top choice as Perth plays two matches against Townsville this round. He matches up very well against them, while Julian Khazzouh has to face Melbourne again who appear to have his measure. If you want to take a gamble you could consider Jerome Randle or Thomas Abercrombie, although they’re only slightly more of a gamble than going for Corey Webster.

For the third week running we have a New Zealand home game to open the round so make sure you’re ready for that 5:30pm lockout.