We have another juicy Friday night doubleheader on our hands in Round 12 of the NBL26 season, with four of the top five teams in action. First up is a top-of-the-table matchup between the now first-placed Adelaide 36ers against the slipping Melbourne United. We bring you our full game preview, best bet, and Dabble Pick’Em below!
Also, we’re providing previews and expert betting tips for every game of the NBL26 season, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
And if you’re looking for a bookmaker to place your NBL bets on this season, look no further than Dabble – The official wagering partner of the NBL!
Adelaide 36ers vs Melbourne United Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 12
36ers Take to the Top
The 36ers enter this Round 12 clash in remarkable form, riding a surge that has completely reshaped their season and the NBL ladder. Their most recent outing was one of the performances of the year, storming back from more than 20 points down on the road to stun the Wildcats by a single point in Cotton’s return game in Perth. That victory extended their winning streak to six, and with eight wins from their past nine, Adelaide now sit alone at the top of the ladder at 13-3. Their confidence is growing each week, their composure in tight moments has become a defining trait, and their ability to respond under pressure is giving them a genuine aura at home heading into this matchup.
United in a Funk
United travel to Adelaide in very different shape, navigating their first real stretch of turbulence this season. After setting the early pace atop the standings, they have dropped two straight to fall to 13-4 and slip to second on the ladder. Their most recent performance against the Phoenix was especially concerning, conceding control early and never recovering in a 25 point Throwdown defeat. While their system and depth remain strengths, their defensive consistency and shot selection have dipped in recent weeks, making this a crucial opportunity to reset against the league leaders. United have shown all season they can trouble any opponent, but they will need a significant uplift to match the intensity the 36ers are bringing.
Recent H2H History
The recent head to head history between these sides leans slightly in United’s favour. Their earlier meeting this season was a thriller, with United escaping in Melbourne by just a single point. That result continued a trend that has seen them win three of the past four clashes against Adelaide. Most of those games have been tight and tactical, shaped by late game execution and momentum swings, and this one should be no different given both clubs’ contrasting form lines.
36ers or United? Here’s Our Tip!
Even with the competitive history, the 36ers’ momentum, home court strength and recent resilience make them the more trustworthy side here. With their offence flowing and their defensive pressure peaking, Adelaide look well placed to cover the 2.5 point spread at home.
Adelaide 36ers –2.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
36ers vs United Dabble Pick‘Em
Popular sportsbook Dabble have launched Pick’Em - a new a simpler way to combine player markets from the same game for bigger odds. We’ve put together a 3-Leg Pick’Em for the 36ers vs United that you can follow via the link below! You can also learn more about Dabble’s Pick’Em feature here.
- Pick coming soon.
- Pick coming soon.
- Pick coming soon.
Dabble Pick‘Em Odds Multiplier: 6.5x ($10 to win $65) - Click here to get involved!
36ers vs United Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday, December 12th, 2025
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Location: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Odds: 36ers $1.60 vs United $2.35
Line: 36ers -3.5
Points: 185.5
Where to Watch 36ers vs United
You can watch the 36ers vs United clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back In our 36ers vs United Tips at Dabble!
Not familiar with Dabble and want to learn more about what they offer? Check out our full Dabble review here, or by clicking the banner below.
