One of, if not the juiciest matchup of Round 16 in NBL24 is the Tasmania JackJumpers vs Melbourne United on Friday night. It’s the first of two games for the night and is one you certainly don’t want to miss. We bring you our full game preview and best bet below!
Also, we’re providing previews and expert betting tips for every game of the NBL24 season, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
NBL24 Round 16 Preview & Betting Tips
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Melbourne United
Friday 7:30pm AEDT, January 19th, MyState Bank Arena
Coming off back-to-back heartbreaking losses in Round 15, the Tasmania JackJumpers are now under immense pressure to perform. They’ve now lost six of their last eight games and although they still remain in third position in the standings, they’re in legitimate danger of falling out of the top six of they can’t find some wins ASAP.
Their most recent loss was about as brutal as they come. At home and up against the rampaging Hawks, the JackJumpers were able to force double overtime but eventually fall short by one point. That came after a three-point loss against the Bullets earlier in Round 15 which they lost via a last second three-point shot from Chris Smith.
There is still upside for the JackJumpers, as they’re one of the most dangerous teams in the competition when their key players are all firing at the same time. However, that hasn’t happened at all lately with both Milton Doyle and Jordan Crawford going through some shooting struggles.
Also not in their best form at the moment are Melbourne United. They enter Friday night’s game having split their last four at 2-2, although they’re still extremely well-placed at 16-5 on the season. United have already locked away a double chance in the finals and are almost certain to have home court advantage throughout the post-season.
United are currently in the midst of a lengthy road trip and will play their fifth straight game on enemy territory on Friday night. Being the visiting team hasn’t troubled them this campaign however, as they’ve won eight of 10 road games across NBL24.
In unfortunate lineup news, star centre Jo Lual-Acuil will miss again in Round 16 due to personal reasons. Also expected to miss is guard Shea Ili who has been struggling with concussion symptoms.
Match prediction: This will be the third meeting between these clubs this season with the series currently tied at 1-1. The JackJumpers stormed home to win by five points in their first matchup in Melbourne, but United were able to get their revenge a couple of weeks later in Hobart with an eight-point win.
United are clearly the form team in this matchup which hasn’t necessarily been reflected in the odds which are extremely tight. And while the JackJumpers are certainly capable of winning this game if they’re firing on all cylinders, United have shown the greater consistency and ability to win tight matchups this season.
Melbourne United to Win
$1.80 (1 Unit)
