We are officially 2/3 the way through the BBL regular season, meaning we have now reached the business end. Not only do the Scorchers have another double, the Hurricanes and the Heat join them in playing twice as well.
However, not one Hurricane is averaging above 60ppg this year, so the question must be asked, are any of them worthwhile?
When you’re blessed with the top 2 teams both on a double, you take full advantage of that opportunity. Having 3-4 Heat is optimal, but remember that they do have a bye in Round 9, meaning no more than 4 Heat should be owned.
On top of that, if you aren’t happy with the Perth players you do have and want to change to someone like Lance Morris or Laurie Evans, that may be wise as well.
First, let’s look at Brisbane, who do they have that is appealing next round?
Paul Walter (BAT/BWL) may very well be the guy to captain next week, he bowls 4 overs and he bats in the top 6. A very good prospect that should deliver 120+ across both games. Xavier Bartlett (BWL) is another high-price player who seems to be taking over at 7 with the bat, and bowling with the new ball, essentially what we thought Neser would do. The question is: do you want to pay $200k for him?
Colin Munro (BAT) hasn’t really fired since his opening game, meaning a big score could be incoming. Not a risk I’ll be taking. Nathan McSweeney (BAT) however, I am very intrigued by. He’s a much more consistent batter who’s still punched out a 98 in round 4. He would have scored more in round 6 if it wasn’t for a washout which cut short his innings. Finally, Matt Kuhnemann (BWL) has killed it this year, only going wicket-less once, plus he’s taking catches, averaging 55.6 on the season so far. Should be late 150s in price, and likely at low ownership.
Are Laurie Evans and Lance Morris worth a shot?
It depends. If you want an extra spike in cash, look no further than these 2, they’ll skyrocket in round 7. I myself will strongly consider Lance Morris. There’s some plus matchups there for him, particularly against the Thunder, whose top order has been ordinary to say the least.
It is at Showground stadium though, so he could be rested. I nearly went Laurie Evans myself, and I would have if it wasn’t for Stoin doing well last week.
Why shouldn’t we go with Hurricanes players?
There’s a great stat that the Hurricanes have only taken 25 wickets in 6 games, which is abysmal when SuperCoach is definitely more bowler-friendly than batter friendly. Their top 6 batters are struggling for form outside of Mac Wright. Ben McDermott looks in decent touch, and will only be at $100k next week. For a high ceiling batter at that price, he’d be the main Hurricane I’d go with.
Sam Hain. What an interesting case, a bit of Laurie Evans about his price and form. He’ll be at that $70k tag, and provided he holds his spot, he’s a guy I’d be happy to loop in. I honestly think I’ll end up with one of McDermott or Hain just because of the price and trying to balance money.
Take note, though, Hain’s return to form and Matthew Wade’s likely return to fitness will create a selection squeeze.
What about the Hurricanes death bowlers next round?
They’ve been out of form this year, Chris Jordan and Nathan Ellis have not been that good, Nikhil Chaudhary looks more potent with ball in hand than those 2, and he doesn’t always bowl. I’m just not very keen on this bowling lineup, and I do already have Chaudhary which could be why I’m ok with not owning any more Hurricanes.
Well hopefully I’ve laid out all the information you need to make a clear decision, and in an ideal world, Taul Paul scores a ton batting at number 6 and takes 3-fa in the 2nd innings. Good luck with your trades next round!
Cheers, SuperCoach Guns
View our predicted Round 7 line-ups with SuperCoach explanations
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