Thursday night NBL action kicks off with a blockbuster clash at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, as the Adelaide 36ers host Melbourne United in a fascinating Round 9 showdown. Bryce Cotton and Cole Anthony are set to lock horns in a star-studded contest. Get the popcorn ready!
The Sixers will be hoping their 28-point demolition of Illawarra signals a turning point in their season, particularly with Zylan Cheatham and John Jenkins providing some much-needed support for Cotton. But Melbourne arrive on a four-game winning streak, with Anthony and Josh Oduro forming a dangerous combination that's proving difficult to contain.
Can Adelaide make home court count, or will United's impressive run continue? We break down the key matchups, latest form and betting markets to find our NBL best bet for Thursday night's clash.
Adelaide 36ers vs Melbourne United Prediction and Betting Tips: NBL27 Round 9
| Match |
Best Bet |
Odds |
| Adelaide 36ers vs Melbourne United |
Adelaide 36ers +4.5 |
$1.93 (1 unit) |
Adelaide 36ers Finding Support Around Cotton
Adelaide’s 106-78 win over Illawarra brought them back to 6-6, but the most encouraging part came before Bryce Cotton caught fire. The Sixers led by 12 at half-time despite Cotton shooting 1/9, with Zylan Cheatham creating opportunities and John Jenkins punishing the Hawks from outside. That is the sort of support Adelaide need against Melbourne.
Cheatham finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, and his passing could be particularly useful here. When Melbourne send extra attention towards Cotton, getting the ball to Cheatham after a screen gives Adelaide someone who can attack the basket or find the open man. It makes them harder to defend than when possessions end with Cotton trying to manufacture a difficult shot.
There is also hope Flynn Cameron returns from his ankle injury, which would be a significant boost. His ball-handling would ease Cotton’s workload and give Adelaide another option to initiate the offence against Melbourne’s pressure. He still needs medical clearance, but his inclusion would strengthen a backcourt that has been stretched throughout his absence.
Melbourne United Getting Their Inside Game Going
Melbourne have won four straight to reach 7-5, most recently beating Brisbane 120-92. Cole Anthony and Josh Oduro combined for 60 points on 24/29 shooting, continuing a productive stretch together. Their finishing was exceptional, but it is the pressure they put on defenders around the basket that Adelaide need to address.
Anthony can draw the opposing centre towards him and leave Oduro available underneath. Staying back creates a different problem, giving Anthony room to finish. Oduro’s offensive rebounding adds another challenge, so Nick Rakocevic needs to hold his position and avoid the fouls that would leave Adelaide short of size.
United won the previous meeting here 96-91 after leading by 18 at half-time. Cotton and Rakocevic scored 33 points each, showing Adelaide can trouble Melbourne, although the Sixers cannot afford to rely on another late comeback. United are playing with more confidence now, and Chris Goulding’s return gives them another threat to account for.
36ers vs United Betting Tips
I’m backing Adelaide +4.5. Melbourne deserve favouritism, but the Sixers have ways to challenge them beyond Cotton’s scoring. Cheatham’s playmaking is important against defensive pressure, while Cameron’s return, if cleared, would give Adelaide more flexibility.
The concern is Melbourne’s ability to score inside and collect second chances. Rakocevic needs to make Oduro work at both ends, and Adelaide’s guards must do enough to prevent Anthony getting into the paint uncontested.
I’m not treating one big win over Illawarra as proof Adelaide have turned the corner. Still, with home advantage and enough offensive quality to stay in touch, I prefer taking the 4.5-point start for one unit.
Best Bet
Adelaide 36ers +4.5
$1.93 (1 Unit)
36ers vs United Dabble Pick‘Em
We’ve put together a 3-Leg Dabble Pick’Em for the 36ers vs United clash that you can follow via the link below! You can also learn more about Dabble’s Pick’Em feature here.
Joe Ingles - Over 9.5 Points
Bryce Cotton - Over 26.5 Points
John Jenkins - Under 13.5 Points
36ers vs United Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday, November 12th, 2026
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Location: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Odds: 36ers $2.58 vs United $1.51
Line: +4.5
Points: 187.5
