After a short international break, NBL action returns this weekend with Round 7. There are seven games scheduled for play and we’ll be providing our best bets for them all right here!
Also, make sure to check our NBL tips page where you’ll find our best bets for every game of the 2022-23 NBL season!
NBL Round 7 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT, John Cain Arena
* Click here for our full preview and betting tips for United vs 36ers *
Perth Wildcats vs S.E. Melbourne Phoenix
Thursday 9:30pm AEDT, RAC Arena
The Wildcats finally broke their losing streak in their recent game against the 36ers, and it was on the back of a breakout performance from Brady Manek. They’re now only one game below .500 and will always fancy their chances of making the finals as long as Bryce Cotton remains fit and healthy.
In contrast, the Phoenix had their winning streak snapped in their last outing, which came against United in the Throwdown. Their defence was all over the shop when giving up 110 points in what was easily their worst performance of the season. Regardless, they will be confident ahead of their trip to Perth where they’ve won in each of their past two visits. They’re only better this time around and should be able to come away with another win.
S.E. Melbourne Phoenix H2H
$2.25 (1 Unit)
Tasmania JackJumpers vs New Zealand Breakers
Friday 7:30pm AEDT, Silverdome
After two meetings at Spark Arena where the Breakers won comfortably, the JackJumpers will get their turn to play hosts in this matchup on Friday night. The Breakers won their two meetings by a combined 38 points and allowed the JackJumpers to score an average of just 63.5 points per contest. Still, the JackJumpers lead the all-time H2H record 4-2 after completing the series sweep last campaign.
The Breakers have only dished up one poor performance all season so far, and that came back in Round 4 against the Phoenix. They could easily be 8-1 with a bit more luck against the Kings and United where they lost by eight points combined. They’re 4-1 on the road this season with their only loss coming in overtime in Round 1, and that sort of form stacks up really well against the JackJumpers who are likely to be around a .500 team this season. With that said, I’m keen to be with the Breakers here.
New Zealand Breakers H2H
$2 (1.5 Units)
S.E. Melbourne Phoenix vs Melbourne United
Saturday 5:30pm AEDT, John Cain Arena
The Phoenix will be looking to bounce back from both a poor loss against the Wildcats on Thursday night, as well as an embarrassing defeat in the most recent Throwdown. United belted them 110-85 two weeks ago when scoring 23+ points in all four quarters. There’s no doubt that defence is killing the Phoenix at the moment, as they’ve given up 90+ points in each of their last four games.
The Phoenix have the more talented roster of the Melbourne based teams, although their lack of chemistry on the defensive end tilts the odds in United’s favour in my opinion. United have won each of the last four editions of the Throwdown and there’s certainly no luck to that. They’re great value to make it five in a row.
Melbourne United H2H
$2.35 (1.5 Units)
Brisbane Bullets vs Cairns Taipans
Saturday 8pm AEDT, Nissan Arena
After a horror start to the season where they lost their first five games, the Bullets have hit their straps with three wins on the spin. In saying that, two of those wins came against the bottom placed Hawks, so they still have plenty to prove before they can be considered a serious challenger. Meanwhile, the Taipans steadied the ship after back-to-back losses with a monster win over United last start. They continue to remind us all that they’re the real deal this season.
The Bullets will be building with confidence due to their current win streak, but I’m still not sold on them and don’t believe they deserve to be favourites in this matchup. The Snakes have won four of their five road games this campaign and are the clear value in the head-to-head market on Saturday night.
Cairns Taipans H2H
$2.25 (1 Unit)
New Zealand Breakers vs Adelaide 36ers
Sunday 2pm AEDT, The Trusts Arena
The Breakers showed their mental toughness once again when they were able to overcome a feisty JackJumpers outfit in their first game of Round 7. Dererk Pardon continues to thrive in the paint for the Breakers and has quickly become one of the top couple of centres in the competition. They’re now 7-3 on the season and are a legitimate championship contender in my book.
The 36ers were able to get over the hump that was Melbourne United in their Round 7 opener, although it certainly wasn’t pretty basketball. They’ve now won 2/3 since parting with Craig Randall. The 36ers have certainly improved their ball movement without Randall, but they still have serious issues on the defensive end. On current form, I can’t see them beating one of the form teams in the competition in the Breakers.
New Zealand Breakers -2.5
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks
Sunday 4pm AEDT, Qudos Bank Arena
*Click here for our full preview and betting tips for this game*
