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Round 6 of the NBL26 Season rolls on, and we’ve got plenty of exciting matchups to look forward to. The action tips off on Thursday night with the South East Melbourne Phoenix hosting the Sydney Kings in what shapes as one of the standout games of the round.
On Saturday night, the Perth Wildcats face the Illawarra Hawks in a crucial clash, with both sides desperate to turn their form around.
Sunday brings a huge double-header featuring two blockbuster contests. The red-hot Melbourne United go head-to-head with the Bryce Cotton–led Adelaide 36ers, while over in Sydney, the Kings return home to Qudos Bank Arena to take on the Tasmanian JackJumpers.
Here are the NBL Tips and Predictions for Round 6 of the NBL26 Season.
Be sure to check back before each NBL26 Match for NBL Previews, NBL Head to Head Predictions, NBL Tips, NBL Picks and NBL Predictions for matches of NBL Season 26.
Australian Basketball Predictions, NBL Betting Tips and NBL Player Props and Insights.
New Zealand Breakers vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction
Venue – Eventfinda Stadium
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST, 23rd October
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | 2-6 | 2-3 | 0-3 |
| Brisbane | 2-5 | 0-2 | 2-3 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | 87.3 | 93.5 | 180.8 |
| Brisbane | 90.4 | 93.3 | 183.7 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Brisbane Bullets have dominated this matchup recently, winning their last four games against the New Zealand Breakers.
- The Bullets’ last two away games have been high-scoring affairs, with an average total of 204 points per game.
- The Breakers’ last two home games have been much lower-scoring, averaging just 157.5 total points per contest.
Quick Player Facts – New Zealand Breakers
- Parker Jackson-Cartwright has been a playmaking force against the Bullets, averaging 8.8 assists across his last six matchups.
- Izaiah Brockington has found his scoring rhythm, averaging 21 points across his last two games.
- Karim Lopez has been strong on the glass, pulling down 7.5 rebounds per game across his last four outings.
- Rob Baker has been a defensive presence, recording six blocks in his last four games.
- Reuben Te Rangi has hit a cold stretch, going scoreless across his last two games despite averaging 15 minutes of court time per outing.
Quick Player Facts – Brisbane Bullets
- Casey Prather has been on a tear, averaging 29.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 steals across his last three games — a true all-round impact.
- Jaylen Adams is coming off a huge 29-point performance in the loss to Melbourne United last round and looks to carry that momentum forward.
- Tyrell Harrison has been dominant inside, averaging 21.5 points and 13 rebounds across his last two outings — a strong double-double presence.
Prediction
The New Zealand Breakers host the Brisbane Bullets, with both sides coming off losses to Melbourne United. The Bullets have already beaten the Breakers earlier this season, so the home side will be eager for revenge.
The Breakers are tough to beat at home and are starting to get consistent output from import Izaiah Brockington, which makes them even more dangerous. This one could be a close contest, but home-court advantage gives the Breakers the edge.
Prediction – New Zealand Breakers (Win)
Prediction – Game Total Under 183.5 Points
SEM Phoenix vs Sydney Kings Prediction
Venue – John Cain Arena
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST, 23rd October
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM | 3-2 | 2-0 | 1-2 |
| Sydney | 3-3 | 2-2 | 1-1 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM | 94.2 | 85 | 179.2 |
| Sydney | 88.5 | 82.7 | 171.2 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Phoenix have been dominant at home, winning 14 of their past 15 games.
- The last two clashes between these sides have averaged a combined 203 total points, so expect plenty of scoring.
- The Phoenix have blown out their opponents in their last two home games, winning by an average margin of 38.5 points.
Quick Player Facts – SEM Phoenix
- Nathan Sobey has recorded a total of 10 steals across his last four home games.
- Nathan Sobey is averaging 22.2 points across his last six games against the Kings.
- Angus Glover is shooting 14/25 (56%) from three-point range across his last three home games and is averaging 20 points in that time.
- John Brown III has recorded a total of 8 steals across his last two home games.
- Jordan Hunter has grabbed 6+ rebounds in 14 of his past 15 home games.
- Owen Foxwell has scored 9+ points in seven of his past eight home games.
Quick Player Facts – Sydney Kings
- Kendric Davis has scored 22+ points in 12 of his past 13 away games.
- Kendric Davis has recorded 5+ assists in 11 of his past 13 away games.
- Xavier Cooks is averaging 9.5 rebounds across his last four games against the Phoenix.
- Tim Soares has grabbed 8+ rebounds in five consecutive games.
Prediction
Both sides were on fire offensively last round, coming off big wins, but this one shapes up differently. The South East Melbourne Phoenix have a strong home record, and coach Josh King will emphasize defense from tip-off to the final buzzer.
The Sydney Kings may have more talent on paper, but the Phoenix will fight to keep it close and push for the win. With both teams beginning to find their shots, expect a fast-paced game with plenty of buckets on both ends.
Prediction – SEM Phoenix (Win)
Prediction – Game Total Over 181.5 Points
Cairns Taipans vs Melbourne United Prediction
Venue – Cairns Convention Centre
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST, 24th October
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns | 2-6 | 1-4 | 1-2 |
| Melbourne | 7-0 | 4-0 | 3-0 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns | 77.1 | 94.5 | 171.6 |
| Melbourne | 100.9 | 82.3 | 183.2 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Cairns Taipans are struggling, having now lost five straight matches.
- Melbourne United are flying high with a perfect 7–0 start to the season.
- The last three meetings between these sides have been low-scoring, averaging just 155.3 total points.
Quick Player Facts – Cairns Taipans
- Admiral Schofield has scored 16+ points in all five home games this season.
- Andrew Andrews is 16/17 (94.1%) from the free-throw line across his last five games.
- Reyne Smith is averaging 15 points and 3.5 assists across his last two games.
- Marcus Lee has scored 12+ points in four of his last five home games.
- Kyrin Galloway is averaging 8.5 rebounds across his last two home games.
Quick Player Facts – Melbourne United
- Milton Doyle has hit 2+ three-point shots in each of his last six away games.
- Tyson Walker is averaging 7.5 assists and 6 steals across his last two games.
- Jesse Edwards is averaging 10.3 rebounds across his last four games.
- Tanner Krebs is averaging 12.3 points across the first seven games — well above his career average of 6 points per game.
- Chris Goulding is averaging 20.3 points across his first three games, despite playing just 18.7 minutes per game.
Prediction
Melbourne United are flying high at 7–0 and face a struggling Cairns Taipans side that’s well out of form. Cairns will need to lock in defensively to have any chance, which could slow the pace and make this a lower-scoring affair.
United should have little trouble imposing their game, but with Cairns struggling to find the basket, don’t be surprised if the score stays modest despite Melbourne’s dominance.
Prediction – Melbourne United (Win)
Prediction – Game Total Under 179.5 Points
Brisbane Bullets vs SEM Phoenix Prediction
Venue – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Tip Off – 5.30pm EST, 25th October
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | 3-5 | 0-2 | 3-3 |
| SEM | 4-2 | 3-0 | 1-2 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | 89.6 | 92 | 181.6 |
| SEM | 97.2 | 86.7 | 183.9 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Brisbane Bullets have lost 5 consecutive games at home
- The Phoenix have lost 8 of their past 9 away games
- The Bullets have won 5 of their past 6 games vs the Phoenix
Quick Player Facts – Brisbane Bullets
- Casey Prather is on a tear, averaging 27.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals across his last four games.
- Tyrell Harrison has dominated the paint against the Phoenix, averaging 22 points and 14.5 boards across his last two matchups.
- Jaylen Adams has been a constant problem for the Phoenix, putting up 24 points and 8.6 assists per game in their last five meetings.
Quick Player Facts – SEM Phoenix
- Nathan Sobey is in red-hot form, averaging 27 points across his last two games.
- Nathan Sobey has also torched his former side, averaging 28 points and 6 assists in his last two matchups against the Bullets.
- Wes Iwundu made a solid debut for the Phoenix, scoring 10 points in Thursday’s win over the Kings.
Prediction
Be sure to check back on gameday for a prediction of this match
Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction
Venue – RAC Arena
Tip Off – 8pm EST, October 25th
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth | 4-3 | 1-2 | 3-1 |
| Illawarra | 1-4 | 1-1 | 0-3 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth | 86.9 | 85.1 | 172 |
| Illawarra | 90 | 101 | 191 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Perth Wildcats have won 5 of their past 7 home games and will look to keep that momentum going in front of the Red Army.
- Illawarra is coming off a 116–76 defeat to South East Melbourne — their equal-heaviest loss since February 4, 2012 (a 91–50 loss to Gold Coast).
- Heading into Round 6, Illawarra ranks 10th in the league for points allowed per possession (1.19) — a worrying sign for their defence.
Quick Player Facts – Perth Wildcats
- Jo Lual-Acuil has scored 15+ points in all seven games this season, showing impressive consistency inside.
- Kristian Doolittle is averaging 16 points and 9 rebounds across his last two games, finding form on both ends of the floor.
- Jaron Rillie is 6/12 (50%) from three-point range in his last two outings, averaging 13 points in that stretch.
Quick Player Facts – Illawarra Hawks
- JaVale McGee has blocked 10 shots across his last three games, providing elite rim protection for the Hawks.
- Tyler Harvey has hit 3+ three-pointers in six of his past nine games against Perth — he clearly enjoys taking on the Wildcats.
- Todd Blanchfield has struggled against his former team, shooting just 1-for-12 from deep in his last five matchups with Perth.
Prediction
Be sure to check back on gameday for a prediction of this match
Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction
Venue – John Cain Arena
Tip Off – 2.30pm EST, 26th October
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | |||
| Adelaide | 5-1 | 3-1 | 2-0 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | |||
| Adelaide | 92.2 | 84.7 | 176.9 |
Quick Game Facts
Quick Player Facts – Melbourne United
Quick Player Facts – Adelaide 36ers
- Bryce Cotton has been unstoppable, scoring 28+ points in five of six games this season.
- Isaac Humphries is averaging 14.2 points across his last five matchups against Melbourne United.
- Dejan Vasiljevic has had a slower start, averaging just 10.3 points across the first six games.
Prediction
Be sure to check back on gameday for a prediction of this match
Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction
Venue – Qudos Bank Arena
Tip Off – 4.30pm EST, October 26th
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 3-4 | 2-2 | 1-2 |
| Tasmania | 4-3 | 1-1 | 3-2 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 89.4 | 86.9 | 176.3 |
| Tasmania | 82 | 82.6 | 164.6 |
Quick Game Facts
- Sydney has won four of its last five games against Tasmania.
- Sydney ranks 1st in the league for turnovers per game this season, averaging 7.3.
- Heading into Round 6, Tasmania ranks 10th in the league for pace, averaging 76.5 possessions per game.
Quick Player Facts – Sydney Kings
- Kendric Davis is off to a slow start from deep, shooting just 23.3% from three this season while averaging 22.6 points. Last year with Adelaide, he shot 37.5% from deep and averaged 25.6 points.
- Xavier Cooks is struggling early, averaging only 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds across the first seven games, down from 15.4 points and 8.7 rebounds last season.
- Matthew Dellavedova has cooled off, averaging just 3.3 assists over his last three games, compared to 7.1 per game last season.
Quick Player Facts – Tasmania JackJumpers
- Bryce Hamilton is averaging just 11 points across his last two games.
- Josh Bannan has been strong against the Kings, averaging 15.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in his last two matchups.
- TJ Starks has struggled, averaging just 2.5 points across his last two games.
Prediction
Be sure to check back on gameday for a prediction of this match