HoopsFest has come and gone and now we’re back to regular NBL26 home and away season action. Round 18 is the next cab off the rank, and it kicks off on Wednesday night with a double-header. There will be 10 games in total across the round, with the final clash taking place on Monday night. We bring you our betting previews for all Round 18 games below!
NBL26 Round 18 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne United vs Brisbane Bullets
Wednesday 5:30pm AEDT (Jan 21), Red Energy Arena
Melbourne United return in Round 18 knowing every result now matters. United sit fourth at 16-10, clinging to top-two hopes after last week’s two-point escape against the JackJumpers. That win halted a slide, with Melbourne having dropped eight of their previous ten games and desperately needing momentum at the right time of the season.
They face a Brisbane Bullets side anchored to the bottom of the ladder at 6-20 and deep in a brutal slump. Brisbane have lost six straight and 13 of their past 14, and their task is made even harder by a growing injury list that has stripped away depth and continuity.
United have already beaten the Bullets three times this season, and while each contest was decided by narrow margins, the context is very different now. Melbourne are healthier, more motivated, and far more stable, while Brisbane are simply trying to survive. With finals implications on the line, United should assert control early, win comfortably, and put distance on the scoreboard to cover the -10.5 spread.
Melbourne United –10.5
$1.86 (1.5 Units)
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs New Zealand Breakers
Wednesday 7:30pm AEDT (Jan 21), State Basketball Centre
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Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT (Jan 22), Qudos Bank Arena
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Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans
Thursday 9:30pm AEDT (Jan 22), RAC Arena
The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena this Thursday night looking to solidify their top-four standing against a struggling Cairns Taipans side. Perth enters this Round 18 clash in formidable form, having averaged over 98 points per game across their last four outings. The inside presence of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., who has averaged 27 points against Cairns this season, and the versatile Kristian Doolittle should prove too much for a Snakes frontline missing star big man Sam Waardenburg (ankle).
Cairns, currently ninth on the ladder, are reeling from a series of heavy defeats, with their last five losses all coming by 15 points or more. While Andrew Andrews remains a perimeter threat, the Taipans' league-worst interior defence is a major concern against Perth's size. Given the Wildcats' dominant 32-point victory in their last meeting and Cairns' defensive vulnerabilities, expect the Red Army to control the tempo and comfortably cover the -9.5 spread at home.
Perth Wildcats -9.5
$1.96 (2 Units)
New Zealand Breakers vs Adelaide 36ers
Friday 5:30pm AEDT (Jan 23), Spark Arena
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South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Cairns Taipans
Saturday 5:30pm AEDT (Jan 24), State Basketball Centre
The South East Melbourne Phoenix return to the State Basketball Centre this Saturday for a Round 18 clash against the Cairns Taipans. Coming off a high-scoring 123–116 victory over the Breakers on Wednesday, the Phoenix have officially clinched their NBL26 play-off spot and currently sit second on the ladder. Sharp-shooter Ian Clark has been in blistering form, recently dropping 24 points in just 20 minutes, while Nathan Sobey’s return provides a veteran spark alongside defensive anchor John Brown III. With coach Josh King pushing for a top-two finish, the Phoenix will look to maintain their perfect 3-0 season record against the Snakes, having already secured wins by margins of 37, 11, and 15 points.
The Taipans arrive in Melbourne following a bruising 106–69 loss to Perth on Thursday. Already struggling with defensive consistency, Cairns' task is made harder with star forward Sam Waardenburg out for the season with a high-grade ankle injury. While Jack McVeigh remains a major threat after a lone-hand 34-point performance against the Wildcats, the Taipans' lack of depth is being tested. Given that all three previous encounters between these sides this season have surpassed the total points line and the Phoenix are averaging nearly 98 points per game, another high-octane offensive display is expected in the Heartland.
Over 187.5 Points
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks
Saturday 8:00pm AEDT (Jan 24), MyState Bank Arena
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Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers
Sunday 2:30pm AEDT (Jan 25), Qudos Bank Arena
In a blockbuster Round 18 clash with heavy finals implications, the Sydney Kings host the league-leading Adelaide 36ers this Sunday afternoon at Qudos Bank Arena. Both sides enter the "Hoops Capital" in exceptional form; the visitors are fresh off a thrilling overtime victory, while the hosts recently dismantled their opponents in a dominant regulation performance. With the post-season rapidly approaching, this match-up serves as a crucial litmus test for two of the competition's heavyweight title contenders.
The contest features a fascinating tactical battle between the league's most potent offence and a surging defensive unit that has found its championship stride over the last month. While Adelaide has maintained a remarkable level of consistency to sit atop the ladder, Sydney has built significant momentum by winning four of their last five games. Expect a playoff-calibre atmosphere in the harbour city as the home side looks to capitalise on their vocal local support. Ultimately, the Kings' defensive versatility and current rhythm should see them edge out a narrow victory to solidify their standing in the top four.
Sydney Kings to Win
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United
Sunday 4:30pm AEDT (Jan 25), RAC Arena
In a pivotal Round 18 clash with major ladder implications, the Perth Wildcats host Melbourne United this Sunday afternoon at RAC Arena. Both powerhouse clubs enter this fixture in commanding form; the visitors are fresh off a dominant thirty-two point victory over Brisbane, while the hosts recently dismantled Cairns by thirty-seven points behind a breathtaking shooting display. With only one win currently separating these two sides, this contest serves as a vital opportunity to consolidate a position near the top of the standings as the regular season reaches its final stages.
The matchup features a fascinating tactical battle between two of the league's most efficient units. While the visitors look to continue their winning ways during a significant individual milestone for their captain, Perth has built an imposing five-game winning streak and remains undefeated in 2026. The Wildcats' superior depth and relentless defensive pressure at home have made them nearly impossible to beat in the west recently. Expect the home side to control the tempo and eventually pull away, covering the -3.5 spread to claim a statement victory.
Perth Wildcats -3.5
$1.95 (1 Unit)
Brisbane Bullets vs Illawarra Hawks
Monday 7:30pm AEDT (Jan 26), Brisbane Entertainment Centre
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