WNBL Round 8 Preview: Can Caps close out 2022 with a win?

The last round of the year is upon us and it’s hard to believe we are halfway through the regular season. There’s still plenty of action yet to come, but for now in Round 8, enjoy some high-quality basketball games to close out 2022.

Can Adelaide stay in the mix of the top 4?

After round seven, the Adelaide Lightning are sitting in sixth position on the ladder and at risk of falling behind the top contenders. After some very close losses they’ll need to regroup ahead of this next round as they face the Bendigo Spirit and Perth Lynx. The Spirit will be aiming to bounce back from a tough first loss to the Southside Flyers, this may work in the Lightning’s favour, the Spirit looking vulnerable and the Flyer’s game plan can act as inspiration for the Lightning. They have the capacity to shoot from deep, Lauren Mansfield, Steph Talbot and Sammy Simons are known to be able to shoot the three ball, they just need to be confident and willing. In their second game, they will be playing the team above them on the ladder in that of the Lynx. Despite this, the Lynx will be the underdogs going in, however, it is the Lightning’s second game of the weekend so fatigue could be a factor that the Lynx should prey on. These teams are well matched in height and strength, but the Lightning should capitalise on their speed, especially in transition.

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Will the Caps get their first win?

The UC Capitals have two last chances to get their first win for the year, but one game is looking more winnable than the other. The Sydney Flames may have gotten the better of them the last two times they met, but supposing the Caps have a full team prepared to play, this might be the game that they get it done. Both previous games have had small margins and it has usually come down to the final period of play where the Flames have gotten away. In the last game, fouls were a huge factor, if the Caps want a chance, then they need to avoid early fouls and instead, target the Flames and try to draw fouls against them. If Jade Melbourne and Shanice Swain are aggressive offensively then they can get themselves to the line or dish to open players. But it’s not just up to the guards, Rae Burrell will need to keep up the sharp shooting, Alex Bunton will need be strong under the basket and Nicole Munger will be critical to winning the boards. If they aren’t too fatigued from their first game and they find a way to hit shots, then there’s no reason they can’t finish the year with a bang.

GAME OF THE WEEK: Can the Boomers beat the Fire and stay on top

Arguably the hottest team in the WNBL right now, the Melbourne Boomers are going from strength to strength, and it’s hard to believe they are still without Tess Madgen in their line-up. The Boomers have made a statement in the last two rounds, proving they can win even without star import Brittany Mitchell. They were victorious over the Lightning on both occasions and will be looking to secure another win this weekend against the Townsville Fire. The Fire have had a week off so will have fresh legs but may still be at a disadvantage coming out of the break. This will be their second match up of the season and is likely to be as close as the first one, where the Boomers came out on top 84-78. In round eight, the Fire have the home court advantage and if Steph Reid and Lauren Nicholson can avoid injury this time around, it could be a different outcome.

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Round 8

Southside vs. UC Capitals, Wednesday 28, State Basketball Centre, 5:30pm

Adelaide vs. Bendigo, Wednesday 28, Adelaide Arena, 7pm

Sydney vs. UC Capitals, Friday 30, Qudos Bank Arena, 5pm

Perth vs. Adelaide, Friday 30, Bendat Basketball Centre, 6:30pm

Townsville vs. Melbourne, Saturday 31, Townsville Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm

*All local times