The Heat get a great opportunity to get back on the winners’ list when they host the undermanned Thunder on Monday night.
Head to Head
The Thunder have been terrific in BBL 14 but their player availability issues look set to bite in the back-half of the tournament.
Both Cam Bancroft and Daniel Sams are out for an extended period following their sickening collision in Perth, Tanveer and Jason Sangha are both out with other injuries and Sam Konstas will be nursing a hangover following Australia’s big win in Sydney. Their availability crisis is so bad that it’s forced a recall for assistant coach Dan Christian, who had been retired for two years.
The Heat, meanwhile, will nearly be at full strength with Michael Neser set to play for the first time this season, and Englishman Tom Alsop joining the squad.
The Heat have won seven of their last nine at home and it’s hard to see the Thunder, with their decimated middle order and bowling, challenging here.
Best Bet
McSweeney has bounced back from his national axing well, with 78*, 34 and 9 in three knocks in Brisbane this season. He’s also scored 25+ in two straight against the Thunder, including a 73 at the Gabba last season.
Value Bet
The Heat could tear through the thin Thunder batting order and both of their strike bowlers look good bets for 3+ poles. Bartlett has taken 3+ in his last two against the Thunder and is coming off a 4fa, while Johnson has taken 3+ in three of his last five BBL matches.
Same Game Multi
Heat H2H / McSweeney 20+ Runs / Bartlett & Johnson 1+ Wickets
