Round 18 of NBL22 starts on a Thursday Night and we have the Illawarra Hawks hosting the Brisbane Bullets to kick off proceedings.
The Hawks are coming off a big win against Melbourne United and are really staking a claim for a finals spot.
There are a total of 8 games in Round 18 of NBL22 and a few of them could really shape the positions in the final four.
Melbourne United will get the chance for revenge against the Illawarra Hawks this Saturday, they then fly to Perth for a massive matchup against a Perth Wildcats side that has loss two consecutive matches at home.
The other intriguing encounter will be on Sunday where the Tasmania JackJumpers will play host to the Sydney Kings at the MyState Bank Arena.
Here are some NBL Predictions and Quick Facts for Round 18 of NBL22.
Be sure to check back before each NBL22 Match for NBL Previews, NBL Head to Head Predictions, NBL Tips, NBL Picks and NBL Predictions for each match of NBL Season 22.
A Star Rating is used to show the confidence level of each Head to Head NBL Match Prediction.
⭐ = A Tough Match to Pick
⭐⭐ = A Decent Chance
⭐⭐⭐ = Should Get the Win
NBL Season Prediction Form
Illawarra Hawks vs Brisbane Bullets
Venue – WIN Entertainment Centre
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | Win/Loss | Home | Away | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illawarra | 14-8 | 7-5 | 7-3 | 4-1 |
| Brisbane | 8-14 | 5-7 | 3-7 | 2-3 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illawarra | 88.0 | 83.6 | 171.6 |
| Brisbane | 85.0 | 87.7 | 172.7 |
Quick Game Facts
- The combined Game Total average for the last 5 matches between these two sides is 177 points
- The combined Game Total average for the Hawks last 3 homes games is 180 points
- The combined Game Total average for the Bullets last 3 away games is 182 points
- The Illawarra Hawks have won 7 of their past 8 night games
- The Illawarra Hawks are on a 3-game winning streak
- The Illawarra Hawks have won 8 of their past 10 matches
- The Brisbane Bullets have won 3 of their past 4 games against the Illawarra Hawks
- The Brisbane Bullets have won 4 of their past 5 away games against the Illawarra Hawks
Quick Player Facts – Illawarra Hawks
- Tyler Harvey has an average of 18.3 points in his last 3 games against the Bullets
- Tyler Harvey is averaging just 1.7 assists across his last 3 games
- Duop Reath has had 7 blocks across his last 2 games
- Duop Reath is averaging 17.7 points and 9.3 rebounds across his last 3 games
- Justinian Jessup has scored 15+ points in 5 of his past 7 matches
- Antonius Cleveland is averaging 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 steals across his last 5 games
- Antonius Cleveland has had 5+ rebounds in 9 of his past 10 matches
- Sam Froling is averaging just 7 points and 1.5 rebounds across his last 2 games
- Xavier Rathan-Mayes has had exactly 5 rebounds in 4 consecutive matches
- Tim Coenraad is averaging 9.7 points and 5 rebounds across his last 3 games. He is 8/16, at 50% from the three-point line in that time
Quick Player Facts – Brisbane Bullets
- Jason Cadee has an average of 18.3 points in his last 3 games against the Hawks
- Jason Cadee is averaging 6.4 assists across his last 5 games
- Robert Franks has scored 20+ points in 7 consecutive matches. He is averaging 23 points in that period
- Robert Franks is averaging 9.4 rebounds across his last 7 matches
- Lamar Patterson is averaging 6.4 assists across his last 7 games
- Deng Deng has had 5+ rebounds in 5 consecutive matches
- Anthony Drmic is averaging 16.3 points across his last 3 games
Prediction
The Hawks are in good form at the moment and will want a win here to separate themselves from the sides outside the top four.
They come up against a Brisbane side that has struggled on the defensive end this season, and the Hawks should have no trouble getting this one done at home.
Prediction – Illawarra Hawks (Win) ⭐⭐
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Adelaide 36ers vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Venue – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | Win/Loss | Home | Away | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | 7-13 | 6-5 | 1-8 | 2-3 |
| Tasmania | 12-10 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 4-1 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | 80.1 | 84.6 | 164.7 |
| Tasmania | 78.4 | 79.0 | 157.4 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Adelaide 36ers have won their last 2 matches at home
- Tasmania have won 6 of their past 8 away matches
- Tasmania have won 5 of their past 6 matches
- The combined Game Total average for the two matches between these two sides is 155 points
- The Adelaide 36ers have lost 5 consecutive games following a home win
- Adelaide’s last 7 matches on a Friday have gone under the projected Game Total
Quick Player Facts – Adelaide 36ers
- Dusty Hannahs has an average of 18.5 points in the 36ers two matches against the JackJumpers
- Dusty Hannahs is just 1/15, at 7% from the three-point line across his last 6 matches
- Daniel Johnson has had 8+ rebounds in 7 of his past 11 games
- Daniel Johnson is averaging 18.5 points across his last 6 games
- Mitch McCarron is averaging 13.3 points across his last 3 games
- Mitch McCarron has had 3 assists or less in 4 consecutive matches
- Sunday Dech has scored 10+ points in 7 of his past 10 matches
- Tad Dufelmeier is averaging 20.2 minutes across his last 5 games. He is averaging 8.2 points in that period
Quick Player Facts – Tasmania JackJumpers
- Josh Adams has an average of 19.5 points in the JackJumpers two games against the 36ers
- Josh Magette has an average of 7.5 assists in the JackJumpers two games against the 36ers
- Josh Magette is 6/37, at 16.2% from the three-point line across his last 6 games. He is averaging 8.8 points in that period
- Jack McVeigh has scored 10+ points in 11 of his past 13 games
- Clint Steindl is averaging 14.8 points across his last 4 games. He is 13/25, at 52% from the three-point line in those matches
Prediction
The JackJumpers have kept their slim finals hopes alive, and their coach Scott Roth is a genuine chance to win the NBL Coach of the Year award.
They will need the win against the 36ers and will fancy themselves as they have won 6 of their past 8 away matches.
The 36ers are coming off a win against the Phoenix at home, and they will fancy themselves in this game.
The JackJumpers have been brilliant in the second half of the season, and simply need this win to stay in touch with a final four finish. If they play like they have been recently, they will be tough to beat.
Prediction – Tasmania JackJumpers (Win) ⭐
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Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks
Venue – John Cain Arena
Tip Off – 5.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | Win/Loss | Home | Away | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | 15-6 | 7-4 | 8-2 | 3-2 |
| Illawarra | 15-8 | 8-5 | 7-3 | 4-1 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | 88.5 | 80.0 | 168.5 |
| Illawarra | 87.9 | 83.0 | 170.9 |
Quick Game Facts
- Melbourne United have lost 2 of their past 3 home games
- Melbourne United have won 7 of their past 9 games
- Melbourne United have won 11 of their past 14 matches against the Illawarra Hawks
- 8 of Melbourne United’s last 9 games at John Cain Arena have gone over the projected Game Total
- The Illawarra Hawks are on a 4-game winning streak
- The Illawarra Hawks have won 9 of their past 11 matches
- The Illawarra Hawks have won 7 of their past 10 away matches
- The Illawarra Hawks have covered the points line in 6 consecutive night matches
- The Illawarra Hawks have regrouped at the long break in recent times. They have won the 3rd quarter in their last 13 away matches
Quick Player Facts – Melbourne United
- Joe Lual-Acuil has had 8+ rebounds in 13 of his past 15 games
- Chris Goulding is 10/44, at 22.7% from the three-point line across his last 5 games. He is averaging 10.6 points in that same period
- Caleb Agada has scored 12+ points in 6 of his past 8 games
- Jack White is averaging just 2 rebounds across his last 3 games
- Matthew Dellavedova has had 5 assists or less in 6 consecutive matches
- Matthew Dellavedova has had 0 steals in 5 consecutive matches
- Ariel Hukporti has had a total of 8 blocks across his last 4 games, in just 14 minutes per match
Quick Player Facts – Illawarra Hawks
- Antonius Cleveland is averaging 18.7 points, 8 rebounds and 3.3 steals across his last 3 games
- Duop Reath has had 8 blocks across his last 3 games
- Justinian Jessup is averaging 18.7 points across his last 3 games
- Sam Froling is averaging just 2.7 rebounds across his last 3 games
- Xavier Rathan-Mayes has had 5+ rebounds in 5 consecutive matches
- Tim Coenraad has played 20+ minutes in 4 matches straight. He is 9/22, at 41% from the three-point line in that time
Prediction
The Illawarra Hawks are in top form at the moment, but defeating Melbourne United two matches in a row on their home court will be a big ask.
Hawks guard Tyler Harvey will undergo a fitness test prior to this match and will provide a much needed scoring punch, but Melbourne United will know this is a must win game and will be tough to beat.
United will be tough to beat in this match and should step it up on the defensive end.
Prediction – Melbourne United (Win) ⭐
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Cairns Taipans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Venue – Cairns Convention Centre
Tip Off – 8pm EST
Season Record
| Team | Win/Loss | Home | Away | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns | 6-14 | 3-7 | 3-7 | 2-3 |
| SEM | 12-10 | 6-5 | 6-5 | 1-4 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns | 77.6 | 84.2 | 161.8 |
| SEM | 86.7 | 85.5 | 172.2 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Cairns Taipans have lost 4 consecutive matches at home
- The combined Game Total average for Taipans home games this season is 157 points
- The combined Game Total average for the Phoenix’s last 5 games is 184 points
- The Phoenix have won 5 of their past 8 away matches
- The Phoenix have won just 1 of their past 6 matches. That one win was a 74-86 away win against Cairns
- The Phoenix have won 6 of their 9 matches against the Taipans
- The Phoenix have given up 91+ points in 4 of their past 5 losses
- All of the Phoenix’s last 5 losses have been by 8 points or less
Quick Player Facts – Cairns Taipans
- Tahjere McCall, Stephen Zimmerman and Mirko Djeric have all been ruled out of this clash
- Scott Machado is averaging 13.7 points and 7.3 assists across his last 3 games
- Bul Kuol has hit 2+ three-point shots in 8 of his past 10 matches
- Keanu Pinder is averaging 10.8 points and 8.5 rebounds across his last 4 games
- Kouat Noi is averaging 15.5 points across his last 2 matches
- Nathan Jawai is averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds across his last 2 matches
Quick Player Facts – South East Melbourne Phoenix
- Mitch Creek is averaging 10 rebounds across his last 2 matches
- Mitch Creek has had 3+ assists in 9 of his past 10 matches
- Xavier Munford has scored 23+ points in 4 of his last 5 matches
- Kyle Adnam is averaging just 4.3 points across his last 7 games
- Big man Zhou Qi is back in for this clash
- Izayah Le’Afa has scored 10+ points in 8 matches straight
Prediction
The Cairns Taipans have a couple of significant outs for this clash and this is a match the South East Melbourne Phoenix should win, despite being away from home.
The Phoenix are not in great form right now, but they have only been losing matches by small margins.
It is hard to be confident picking the Phoenix side at the moment, but they should bounce back in this clash.
Prediction – South East Melbourne Phoenix (Win) ⭐
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Tasmania JackJumpers vs Sydney Kings
Venue – MyState Bank Arena
Tip Off – 2pm EST
Season Record
| Team | Win/Loss | Home | Away | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | 13-10 | 6-5 | 7-5 | 4-1 |
| Sydney | 14-7 | 9-3 | 5-4 | 5-0 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | 78.5 | 78.7 | 157.2 |
| Sydney | 84.5 | 82.2 | 166.7 |
Quick Game Facts
- The combined Game Total average for the Kings last 5 games is 179 points
- The combined Game Total average for Tasmania home games this season is just 152 points
- Tasmania’s last 9 home games have gone under the projected Game Total
- Tasmania have won 6 of their past 7 games
- The Sydney Kings are on a 9 game winning streak
Prediction
At the start of the season it would have been hard to consider the JackJumpers a chance in a matchup like this one, but their finals hopes are still alive.
They come up against a Sydney Kings side that made easy work of the Perth Wildcats last weekend out west, and they are the hottest team in the league right now.
Tasmania has played tight intense defence all season and are a chance in this clash, but the Sydney Kings have the talent and will go in as the favourites.
Prediction – Sydney Kings (Win) ⭐
Brisbane Bullets vs Adelaide 36ers
Venue – Nissan Arena
Tip Off – 4pm EST
Season Record
| Team | Win/Loss | Home | Away | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | 8-15 | 5-7 | 3-8 | 1-4 |
| Adelaide | 7-14 | 6-6 | 1-8 | 2-3 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | 84.3 | 87.6 | 171.9 |
| Adelaide | 79.7 | 84.3 | 164.0 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Brisbane Bullets have lost 4 of their past 5 matches
- The Brisbane Bullets have lost 3 consecutive home games
- Brisbane’s last 6 Sunday home games have gone over the projected Game Total
- The Adelaide 36ers have lost 7 consecutive away matches
Prediction
Both these sides have been disappointing this season, but the 36ers have not played well away from home for quite some time now.
Bullets big man Robert Franks is playing solid basketball and the Bullets will go into this match as the favourites.
Prediction – Brisbane Bullets (Win) ⭐
New Zealand Breakers vs Cairns Taipans
Venue – MyState Bank Arena
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | Win/Loss | Home | Away | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 5-17 | 2-7 | 3-10 | 1-4 |
| Cairns | 7-14 | 4-7 | 3-7 | 3-2 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 80.5 | 88.5 | 169.0 |
| Cairns | 78.2 | 84.2 | 162.4 |
Quick Game Facts
- The combined Game Total average for the Breakers last 5 games is 186 points
- New Zealand’s last four games have gone over the projected Game Total
- The combined Game Total average for the Taipans last 5 games is 169 points
- The New Zealand Breakers have lost 8 of their past 9 games
- The New Zealand Breakers are on a four-game losing streak. Each loss has been by less then 10 points, including two matches that went to overtime
- The Taipans have won 3 of their past 4 matches
- 7 of the past 8 matches between these two sides have been decided by 6 points or less
Quick Player Facts – New Zealand Breakers
- Yannick Wetzell has an average of 22 points and 10 rebounds in his two matches against the Taipans this season
- Yannick Wetzell is averaging 19 points and 10.5 rebounds across his last 4 games
- Hugo Besson has had 4+ assists in 6 of his past 8 games
- Peyton Siva has had 6+ assists in 7 of his past 8 games
- Chasson Randle has scored 0 points in 3 of his past 4 games
- Thomas Abercrombie is averaging 13.5 points across his last 4 games. He is 12/25, at 48% from the three-point line in that period
- Ousmane Dieng is averaging 13.1 points across his last 8 games
Quick Player Facts – Cairns Taipans
- Majok Deng is averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds across his last 6 games
- Scott Machado is averaging 14.3 points and 8.3 assists across his last 4 games
- Keanu Pinder is averaging 12.8 points and 9.4 rebounds across his last 5 games
- Bul Kuol has scored 12+ points in 5 of his past 6 games
- Kouat Noi is averaging 14.3 points across his last 3 games
Prediction
Both sides have been pretty good in recent weeks, but the Breakers just cannot seem to get it done in the closing stages of matches.
The Breakers are almost fully fit for this match, whilst the Taipans will be waiting on the fitness of three key players.
This Breakers are a massive chance to break a four-game losing streak in this match and will go in as the favourites.
Prediction – New Zealand Breakers (Win) ⭐
Prediction – Game Total Over 165.5 Points
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Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United
Venue – RAC Arena
Tip Off – 9.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | Win/Loss | Home | Away | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth | 14-8 | 5-3 | 9-5 | 3-2 |
| Melbourne | 15-7 | 7-5 | 8-2 | 2-3 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth | 89.9 | 84.5 | 174.4 |
| Melbourne | 88.5 | 80.7 | 169.2 |
Quick Game Facts
- The combined Game Total average for the Wildcats last 5 games is 183 points
- The combined Game Total average for Melbourne’s last 5 games is 180 points
- The combined Game Total average for the last 5 matches between these two sides is 164 points
- The Perth Wildcats have lost 2 consecutive matches on their home court
- Melbourne United have lost 3 out of their past 5 matches
- 11 of the past 14 matches between these two sides have been decided by 10 points or less
- Melbourne have won 8 consecutive matches on a Monday
- Melbourne have won the fourth quarter in 11 consecutive away matches
Quick Player Facts – Perth Wildcats
- Bryce Cotton is averaging 24.4 points across his last 5 games
- Vic Law has had 8+ rebounds in 9 matches straight
- Vic Law has scored 19+ points in 7 of his past 9 games
- Vic Law is just 12/57, at 21% from the three-point line across his last 12 games
- Luke Travers has had 5+ rebounds in 10 of his past 13 games
- Todd Blanchfield has scored 9 points or less in 7 of his past 11 games
- Jesse Wagstaff is just 2/13, at 15.4% from the three-point line across his last 8 games
Quick Player Facts – Melbourne United
- Caleb Agada has been ruled out of this clash
- Jo Lual-Acuil is averaging 15.3 points and 7.6 rebounds across his last 7 matches
- Chris Goulding is averaging just 11.5 points across his last 6 games. He is 14/51, at 27% from the three-point line in that period
- Jack White is averaging just 2.5 rebounds across his last 4 games
- Shea Ili has had 2+ assists in all 22 matches this season
- Matthew Dellavedova is averaging just 2.8 assists across his last 4 games
- Ariel Hukporti is averaging 2 blocks across his last 5 games in just 14 minutes of action per game
- Brad Newley is averaging 9 points and 4.3 rebounds across his last 3 games
Prediction
The Perth Wildcats have lost 2 consecutive matches at home and don’t look the same on the defensive end as opposed to previous seasons.
Their star players are still getting it done offensively, but they will need to step it up defensively and get something out of their big guys if they are to be a threat in the finals.
This is a match that United big man Jo Lual-Acuil could take advantage of and have a big game on the inside.
This match is being played at 7.30pm Western Standard time, which means 9.30pm Eastern Standard Time. With clocks going backwards an hour yesterday in Victoria, that essentially means Melbourne United will be playing this game very late.
The Wildcats have had 9 days to think about their poor performance against the Sydney Kings and should step it up defensively in this match.
It is hard to see Perth losing three consecutive games at RAC Arena.
Prediction – Perth Wildcats (Win) ⭐⭐
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