Round 6 Preview: Kelly Wilson chalks up a record 400 WNBL games
Kelly Wilson clocks up a massive record with 400 WNBL games on Wednesday night when UC Capitals take on Sydney Uni Flames.
WNBL Media preview the round.
UC Capitals v Sydney Uni Flames
National Convention Centre Canberra Wednesday 6pm local. Kayo.
This game is all about UC Capitals player Kelly Wilson who takes the record for the most WNBL games played, a record that may never be broken. In her 19th season, Kelly will play her 400th game and she doesn’t look like she is slowing down anytime soon. Returning to the court following the birth of her son Ted last year Kelly has hit this season running with an average 33 minutes of game time. Congratulations Kelly.
This will be the second game this season between these teams following a COVID postponement. The stats will go in favour of the UC Capitals but expect fireworks from the Sydney Uni Flames following their narrow lose on their last encounter.
Players to watch – Sykes, Heal, Mansfield and Wilson.
Southside Flyers v Perth Lynx
Dandenong Stadium, Thursday 7pm, Kayo.
As expected, the Perth Lynx came out firing for their first game with their impressive roster of players, falling only narrowly to Adelaide Lightning, so they will be ready for the win.
Southside Flyers are coming off a win against Townsville Fire and with the home court advantage they will be strong contenders for the win.
It will be the match up of the Opals captains O’Hea v Whitcomb with both posting 33+ game minutes and the ability to influence the outcome.
Look for strong performances from Mabrey, Garbin, O’Hea, Cole and Whitcomb.
Townsville Fire v Adelaide Lightning
Townville Entertainment Centre Friday 7pm Kayo Freebies
An interesting game is lining up with Townsville Fire coming off 2 losses and Adelaide Lightning off 3 strong wins. In their only encounter this season Townsville Fire took the win but this game is difficult to call.
Player of the Round (round 5) Smith is in devastating form and with Talbot at her side they make a formidable duo.
Townsville Fire will look to Nicholson and Billings to bring the edge and reverse their current 0-2 result.
Players to watch – Talbot, Smith, Billings, Nicholson and Sutton
Sydney Uni Flames v Perth Lynx
Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium Saturday 2.30pm. Fox Sports
To kick off the double-header in Regional Victoria, Sydney Uni take on Perth Lynx, the first time they play each other this season.
Playing on neutral ground there will be no home game advantage so expect a tight game as both teams need the win.
Players to watch – Heal, Whitcomb, Mansfield and Mabrey
Expect a warm welcome for Victorian Shane Heal.
Melbourne Boomers v UC Capitals
Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium Saturday 5.00pm. ABC, Fox Sports
The second in the regional double-header this will be the first time these two powerhouse teams meet, currently 2nd and 3rd on the WNBL ladder.
With no home court advantage, the game will be tightly fought with both teams fielding a strong line-up.
Expect strong performances from Sykes, Wilson, Mitchell and George
Adelaide Lightning v Southside Flyers
The Lights Sunday 3.00pm. Kayo Freebies
In their first game of the season, it will be an interesting game with Bishop, Cole and O’Hea firing for Southside Flyers up against the strength of Smith, Talbot and Shook.
The home ground advantage and coming off three straight wins might be enough to get Adelaide over the line.
Match ups to watch Smith, Bishop, Talbot and O’Hea.
Townsville Fire v Bendigo Spirit
Townsville Entertainment Centre Sunday, 5.00pm. Kayo
Townsville Fire will take on Bendigo Spirit for their first match of the season and with both coming in needing the win it will be a great contest.
Maley the Player of the Round (Round 4) is on fire and clocking up some impressive stats for Bendigo, she will be one to watch and if on her game, could be the decider.
Townsville Fire aren’t without their fire power with Nicholson, Billings and Sutton expected to take it up a notch.
Players to watch – Nicholson, Maley, Garrick, Sutton
