Table of Contents
Round 19 of NBL25 continues with the Illawarra Hawks hosting the injury-ravaged Tasmania JackJumpers to kick things off on Thursday night. The JackJumpers are in desperate need of a win to keep their finals hopes alive, but their recent form has been concerning, suffering heavy defeats in key matchups. Illawarra, on the other hand, will be eager to capitalize on Tasmania’s struggles and defend their home court.
Friday’s action will feature two more Summer Shootout games, with the Brisbane Bullets traveling to Adelaide to take on the 36ers. Meanwhile, South East Melbourne Phoenix will be out to prove a point as they look to match—or even surpass—the 111 points the Cairns Taipans dropped on Brisbane just a couple of weeks ago.
With teams fighting for crucial wins and finals positions on the line, Round 19 promises plenty of drama, high-intensity battles, and standout individual performances. Another thrilling weekend of NBL action awaits!
Be sure to check back before each NBL25 Match for NBL Previews, NBL Head to Head Predictions, NBL Tips, NBL Picks and NBL Predictions for matches of NBL Season 25.
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction
Venue – MyState Bank Arena
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | 12-14 | 8-4 | 4-10 |
| Illawarra | 17-9 | 9-4 | 8-5 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | 83.7 | 87.5 | 171.2 |
| Illawarra | 101.8 | 92.7 | 194.5 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Tasmania JackJumpers are in a slump, battling through a 4-game losing streak—can they turn things around?
- The Illawarra Hawks have struggled on the road, dropping their last two away games. Will their luck change this time?
- The last three clashes between these teams have averaged 175.3 points per game.
Prediction
The JackJumpers welcome back bench player Majok Deng for this clash, but without a couple of their better defenders, they have been struggling in recent games.
The Illawarra Hawks will be looking to strengthen their top spot ladder position and should get the win.
Prediction – Illawarra Hawks (Win)
Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction
Venue – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | 13-13 | 9-5 | 4-8 |
| Brisbane | 11-16 | 6-8 | 5-8 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | 94.0 | 95.7 | 189.7 |
| Brisbane | 92.5 | 98.1 | 190.6 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Adelaide 36ers have won six of their past eight games
- The Brisbane Bullets have lost eight of their past ten games
Prediction
The Brisbane Bullets are once again without their two key bigs, Josh Bannan and Tyrell Harrison for this clash and come up against a 36ers side that has three top big players.
The Brisbane Bullets chose the 36ers as their Summer Shootout opponent and the 36ers have been one of the better defensive teams in the month of January.
The 36ers should have no trouble getting the win and keeping the Bullets to a lower score.
Prediction – Adelaide 36ers (Win)
Prediction – Adelaide 36ers – 11.5
Perth Wildcats vs SEM Phoenix Prediction
Venue – RAC Arena
Tip Off – 9.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth | 15-11 | 8-5 | 7-6 |
| SEM | 15-11 | 9-4 | 6-7 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth | 99.5 | 96.6 | 196.1 |
| SEM | 95.8 | 90.5 | 186.3 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Perth Wildcats have lost three of their past four home games
- The Phoenix have won three of their past four away games
- The combined Game Total average for the last three games between these two sides is 187 points
Prediction
The Wildcats have been struggling on the defensive end, and they’re about to face a Phoenix squad that thrives on pushing the pace and putting up big numbers on the scoreboard. If Perth doesn’t tighten up defensively, they could find themselves overwhelmed by Phoenix’s high-tempo attack.
On the other end of the court, the Phoenix are one of the league’s stronger defensive teams, meaning the Wildcats won’t have it easy trying to get their offence rolling at RAC Arena. With Perth already under pressure, this matchup could be a real test of their ability to adapt and find ways to control the game.
Prediction – SEM Phoenix + 4.5
Prediction – Game Total Over 202.5
New Zealand Breakers vs Cairns Taipans Prediction
Venue – Spark Arena
Tip Off – 5.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | 9-18 | 5-8 | 4-10 |
| Cairns | 7-19 | 3-11 | 4-8 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | 85.3 | 91.2 | 176.5 |
| Cairns | 87.9 | 95.8 | 183.7 |
Quick Game Facts
Prediction
The Cairns Taipans are hitting their stride, playing some of their best basketball of the season. With nearly a full squad available, they have the depth and firepower to keep their momentum going.
Fresh off back-to-back wins against top-tier opponents, the Taipans will be brimming with confidence as they take the court. With their recent form and a strong roster at their disposal, they’ll be looking to make another statement in their next matchup.
Prediction – Cairns Taipans (Win)
Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction
Venue – John Cain Arena
Tip Off – 9.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | 17-10 | 7-6 | 10-4 |
| Tasmania | 12-15 | 8-5 | 4-10 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | 95.3 | 91.4 | 186.7 |
| Tasmania | 83.4 | 88.0 | 171.4 |
Quick Game Facts
- Melbourne has won each of its last 10 games when allowing fewer than 90 points
- Tasmania has won seven of its last eight games against Melbourne at John Cain Arena
- Jack White has recorded a league-high 12 double-doubles this season
Prediction
The Tasmania Jackumpers are struggling without a couple of their best defenders and have been throwing in the towel late in games.
Melbourne are coming off a big win and will be full of confidence. They should have no trouble getting the win on their home floor.
Prediction – Melbourne United (Win)
Prediction – Melbourne United – 11.5
Sydney Kings vs Perth Wildcats Prediction
Venue – Qudos Bank Arena
Tip Off – 2.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 16-11 | 7-6 | 9-5 |
| Perth | 16-11 | 9-5 | 7-6 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 91.0 | 87.3 | 178.3 |
| Perth | 99.5 | 96.7 | 196.2 |
Quick Game Facts
- Sydney’s House of Pain – The Kings have dominated Perth at Qudos Bank Arena, winning four of their last five clashes on their home floor.
- Defensive Juggernaut – Sydney boasts the league’s stingiest defence, holding opponents to just 87.3 points per game, the best mark this season.
- Jaylen Adams on Fire – Last time out, Adams put on an absolute scoring clinic, dropping 43 points in a monster performance!
- Sydney’s Worst Nightmare – Bryce Cotton has been a Kings killer, averaging 24.7 points per game against Sydney—the highest against any opponent in his career!
Prediction
The Sydney Kings have had over a week off since their loss to Adelaide, giving them plenty of time to address the issues from that game. They haven’t been shooting the ball particularly well, but Jaylen Adams is coming off a 43-point performance in the loss and will be full of confidence.
Known for their strong defence, the Kings will do everything they can to slow down the fast-paced, high-tempo attack of the Perth Wildcats. Sydney should be in a good position to bounce back, and the game total could trend under the number.
Prediction – Sydney Kings (Win)
Prediction – Game Total Under 193.5
SEM Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction
Venue – John Cain Arena
Tip Off – 4.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM | 15-12 | 9-4 | 6-8 |
| Adelaide | 13-14 | 9-6 | 4-8 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM | 95.6 | 90.9 | 186.5 |
| Adelaide | 93.8 | 95.5 | 189.3 |
Quick Game Facts
- John Cain Fortress – South East Melbourne has turned John Cain Arena into a fortress, winning each of its last six games at home.
- Elite Defence – The Phoenix are locking teams down, ranking 2nd in the league for points allowed per possession (1.12) this season.
- John Cain Struggles – Adelaide just can’t catch a break at John Cain Arena, losing six straight and all three matchups this season by 20+ points. Can they turn it around, or will the struggles continue?
Prediction
Both teams will be looking to bounce back after losses, but the long flight back from Perth on Friday night could take a toll on the Phoenix. The 36ers need a win to strengthen their push for a top-six finish and have been solid defensively—with the exception of their loss to Brisbane.
With a talented roster, the 36ers have every chance to come out on top in this matchup. Expect both teams to place a greater emphasis on defence, making this a tightly contested battle.