The 2021-22 NBL season is set to get underway this weekend with six games on the card for Round 1. This year we’ll be providing previews for our best three bets for each round, as well as best bets for all the other games which you can find at the bottom of the article. Check out our best plays for Round 1 below and good luck to everyone following us this season!
Also, if you haven’t already checked out our NBL Squads and Best Futures Bets articles for the upcoming season, make sure you click on those links above!
2021-22 NBL Round 1 Betting Tips
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Brisbane Bullets
MyState Bank Arena, Friday 7:30pm AEDT
The JackJumpers finally get to make their official NBL debut in the season-opener on Friday night. They played four games in the NBL Blitz tournament that just finished, where they managed to secure one win from four games. The most impressive performer during those games was import Josh Maggette who looks set to stuff the stat sheet on a regular basis this season.
The Bullets finished with an even 18-18 record last season which was only good enough for sixth place on the ladder. They’re looking for improvement within and expect that star import Lamar Patterson will be a much more consistent performer this campaign. The Bullets were impressive in the Blitz with three wins from four games and will be relying on Nathan Sobey to carry a heavy load once again in the season proper.
The JackJumpers have a couple of nice players on their roster but we certainly don’t expect them to be world-beaters this season and suspect they will struggle for chemistry in the early rounds. Ready to take advantage of their inexperience playing together will be the Bullets who will be eyeing off a playoff berth this campaign. We expect Sobey and co. to be too good on opening night.
Brisbane Bullets -3.5
$1.90
SE Melbourne Phoenix vs New Zealand Breakers
John Cain Arena, Saturday 8pm AEDT
The Phoenix found great success in their second season in the NBL where they nearly made it to the Grand Final series. They’ve seemingly improved their roster again in the off-season and are one of the early fancies to win the championship. Mitch Creek will be the focal point on offence once again, while Ryan Broekhoff is expected to have a much more productive second season in the league.
The Breakers suffered the most due to Covid restrictions last season as they were only able to play a handful of games on their home turf, which resulted in them finishing with a poor 12-24 record. They’ve been a very busy team in the off-season with a few key imports signing, none better than former NBA player Jeremiah Martin. He will be looking to help star man Finn Delany lead this talented team to the playoffs this season.
We’re expecting both of these teams to be tough to beat this season which sets up a very interesting Round 1 clash. The Phoenix will obviously have the slight edge with home court on their side, but we still expect the Breakers to give them a run for their money and cover the big 6.5-point spread line.
New Zealand Breakers +6.5
$1.93
Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Sunday 1pm AEDT
The 36ers had an inconsistent NBL21 campaign and finished up with a disappointing 13-23 record. However, they’ve already shown signs of improvement this season by taking out the Blitz with a perfect 4-0 record. Mitch McCarron looks set for a big year in his new colours and has plenty of talent around him with the likes of Daniel Johnson and import Dusty Hannahs.
The Hawks had a superb bounce back season in NBL 21 where they gave a big shock to the Wildcats in the semi-finals. Importantly, the Hawks were able to retain superstar guard Tyler Harvey and promising young big man Sam Froling. Justinian Jessup will also return for another stint with the Hawks and will be joined by another gun import in Antonius Cleveland.
Once again, we expect both of these sides to be competitive on a nightly basis this season, but believe the Hawks have genuine championship aspirations and chances this season. They have the best coach in the league steering the ship and a top two point guard in Harvey. We’re expecting the Hawks to make a statement in Round 1 with a big road win against a solid 36ers outfit.
Illawarra Hawks -2.5
$1.95
Other Tips
Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers (Fri 9:30pm) – Under 172.5 Points $1.90 Ladbrokes
Sydney Kings vs Melbourne United (Sun 3pm) – Sydney Kings -4.5 $1.90 Sportsbet
Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans (Sun 5:30pm) – Under 166.5 Points $1.95 TAB
