NBL Dream Team: Round 9 Preview

As predicted round 8 saw a lot of lower scores but an abundance of doubles means that will change for round 9. Clubs are starting to make some big changes too and it could really shake things up.

 

Reviewing Round 8

AJ Ogilvy continued to be the stand out Dream-Teamer for the year posting the two biggest single match scores for the round, despite not even making half time in the second game. Kirk Penny (84) turned back the clock with two stellar 40+ games. Kevin Lisch (70) rounded out the high scorers, with the next best being Nick Kay (54) and Brian Conklin (50).

While Clint Steindl (28) was the most popular upsetting player, team-mate Mitch Young (14) also ended his streak of decent games. They were far from alone though with the single match exposing plenty of players. Jason Cadee (4) seemed determined to prove he can’t score well with Childress on court, Cameron Tragardh (-2) has had steadily decreasing scores, and Thomas Abercrombie (8) has struggled to score his is last few games. Brendan Teys (4) also ruined his money making potential, at least he can’t lose much either though.

 

Get Ready for Round 9

It’s a tough call with trading this week as you’ve probably already got seven or eight players with the double in your team, meaning that it’s more about long term prospects and immediate points. Josh Childress has a breakeven of 40, which means that if you have a little bit of spare money you could wait a week to see the impact that Sydney’s new coach has on his scoring. He’s still going to be a must have though, so I’m getting him in now in case he smashes out an 80+. As well as the above, Chris Goulding has dropped significantly in value, although he’s unlikely to make his breakeven of 77 this week.

Note – if have you Brian Conklin then it’s time to trade him out as he’s just been cut by Townsville.

The number of bargain options is slowly diminishing as players have either jumped in price or are showing that they don’t yet have what it takes to be a consistent scorer. Not on the list though are Kevin White and Jarrad Weeks, who both also have low prices and low breakevens, however I’m overlooking them as the impending return of Rhys Martin will have a significant impact on their roles.

Unlucky to miss out on the above list are Charles Jackson, Thomas Abercrombie, Matthew Knight and Daniel Kickert. All have been averaging above 30 and should also do well but I felt they were less likely than those in the list. You could also take a punt on a single game from AJ Ogilvy or Josh Childress if you’re feeling crazy. Illawarra and Sydney are the only teams with the single game this week so other than those two then you should get all the other players from those teams onto your bench.

It’s an early lockout this week as the round starts over in New Zealand so make sure you don’t get caught out. Make your changes now, you can always reverse them if you need to!