The last round of NBL26 begins on Wednesday night with a clash between the JackJumpers and the Hawks. For the JackJumpers, this is a nice tune-up game before their Play-In game next week, while for the Hawks it’s officially the end of their championship defence. We bring you our preview and best bet below!
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Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 22
JackJumpers Have Done Enough
This Wednesday night at MyState Bank Arena, the Tasmania JackJumpers prepare for a final regular season hit-out with their post-season path already set. Currently locked into 6th spot on the NBL ladder with a 14–18 record, Scott Roth’s squad has no mathematical way to move up or down regardless of this result. Consequently, the focus for the JackJumpers will be less on the scoreboard and more on player welfare. Given the looming do-or-die Play-In Qualifier next week, fans should expect the coaching staff to heavily manage the minutes of their core stars to ensure the roster is fresh and healthy for the finals.
Pressure Off the Hawks
The Illawarra Hawks arrive in Hobart with their championship defence officially over, having been eliminated from finals contention. However, as they proved in their clinical 100–91 dismantling of Melbourne United last Sunday, the Hawks are playing with a dangerous spoiler mentality. Without the crushing weight of playoff pressure, the roster has found a renewed offensive flow spearheaded by a dominant JaVale McGee and the perimeter scoring of Tyler Harvey. For the Hawks, this game represents a chance to finish a difficult season on a high note and prove they can still topple top-six opposition.
Recent H2H History
The head-to-head history this season actually leans in favour of the visitors, with the Hawks currently holding a 2–1 lead in the series. While the JackJumpers took the first meeting in Round 2, Illawarra has claimed the last two encounters, including a narrow 92–90 thriller on New Year’s Eve. Both sides have displayed a physical defensive identity in their matchups, often turning these games into gritty affairs where second-chance points and rebounding become the deciding factors.
JackJumpers or Hawks? Here’s Our Tip!
Looking ahead to Wednesday, the Hawks are the tip to edge this one out, though it remains a low-confidence tip given the lack of stakes. While Tasmania has the home-court advantage, their primary objective is to avoid further injuries before the finals, which may lead to extended bench rotations and a drop in intensity. Following their impressive upset over United, the Hawks look more settled and motivated to play the role of the spoiler one last time.
Hawks to Win
$2.15 (1 Unit)
Phoenix vs JackJumpers 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 JackJumpers vs Hawks clash that you can follow via the link below! You can also learn more about Dabble’s Pick’Em feature here.
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JackJumpers vs Hawks Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Location: MyState Bank Arena, Tasmania
Odds: JackJumpers $1.75 vs Hawks $2.10
Line: JackJumpers -3.5
Points: 189.5
Where to Watch JackJumpers vs Hawks
You can watch the JackJumpers vs Hawks clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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