Sydney Kings v Gold Coast Blaze

Coming off the back of their thrashing by their New Zealand Breakers a fortnight back, The Kings start this game as underdogs. But we’re tipping a big Kings win here.

Last time, Sydney and the Gold Coast clashed at the Entertainment Centre was a month back and the Kings smashed the Blaze to the tune of 102-96 with import forward Jerai Grant the standout with a game-high 23 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.

If Grant can find that form again and Sydney can keep their gun starters – Khazzouh, Grant, Bose and Madgen – on court for long periods then victory will come.

The Blaze have a reputation as master agitators – they will force turnovers and gorge on any Kings mistakes. They’ll also charge the net at every opportunity, with a pick-and-run open game led by captain James Harvey and former King Mark Worthington.

It all shapes as a sensational Friday night at the Kingdome. So grab your tickets now and see you at the Time Out Bar to toast what we hope will be a stunning triumph.