The penultimate round of the NBL26 season is upon us and there’s still plenty that needs deciding from a ladder standpoint. Round 21 begins on Thursday night with the Taipans vs United, which will be followed by doubleheaders on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We bring you our best bets for all upcoming games below!
NBL26 Round 21 Preview & Betting Tips
Cairns Taipans vs Melbourne United
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT (Feb 12), Cairns Convention Centre
Click here for our full game preview and betting tips!
Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings
Friday 7:30pm AEDT (Feb 13), WIN Entertainment Centre
Click here for our full game preview and betting tips!
Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets
Friday 9:30pm AEDT (Feb 13), RAC Arena
The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena this Friday night to host a Brisbane Bullets side currently anchored to the bottom of the NBL26 ladder. Fourth-placed Perth enters the matchup in sublime form, having secured eight of their last nine games to solidify their standing in the top four. The Wildcats receive a significant boost for this clash with the return of star guard David Duke Jr, who has recovered from an elbow injury.
The Bullets arrive in Perth on a daunting 11-game losing streak, a run that has seen them struggle with both offensive efficiency and defensive consistency. While they welcome back star big man Tyrell Harrison from a concussion, the squad remains severely depleted with a bunch key contributors still sidelined. Brisbane has struggled particularly in the frontcourt against elite size, which does not bode well as they prepare to face the dominant interior presence of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and the versatile, all-round play of Kristian Doolittle.
Recent history paints a grim picture for the visitors, as the Bullets have lost by 20 or more points in their last two meetings against the Wildcats. Perth’s ability to capitalise on turnovers and control the glass has been the deciding factor in these previous blowouts, including a 95–75 masterclass on New Year's Day. With Brisbane currently shooting a league-low from beyond the arc and missing the scoring punch required to keep pace with Perth's high-octane offence, the Wildcats should dictate the tempo from the opening tip.
Perth Wildcats -19.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Adelaide 36ers vs New Zealand Breakers
Saturday 5:30pm AEDT (Feb 14), Adelaide Entertainment Centre
The Adelaide 36ers enter their final home game of the NBL26 season sitting in the top 2 on the ladder, motivated to secure the minor premiership. Following a dominant win over Melbourne United, the 36ers boast the league’s most efficient scoring backcourt. With a sell-out crowd at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, the hosts are primed to maintain their momentum heading into the finals.
The New Zealand Breakers arrive with their season on the line, currently languishing in seventh place. However, they are severely shorthanded, with Sam Mennenga, Karim Lopez, Rob Baker II, and Izayah Le'Afa all sidelined. This leaves a massive burden on Parker Jackson-Cartwright against a deep Adelaide rotation.
Adelaide has won the last four meetings between these clubs, including both encounters this season. Given the Breakers' depleted roster and Adelaide’s superior interior power, the 36ers should dictate the tempo. Expect the 36ers to cover the -10.5 spread comfortably.
Adelaide 36ers -10.5
$1.91 (2.5 Units)
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Saturday 8:00pm AEDT (Feb 14), John Cain Arena
Click here for our full game preview and betting tips!
Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks
Sunday 2:30pm AEDT (Feb 13), John Cain Arena
Melbourne United returns to John Cain Arena this Sunday afternoon for a high-stakes clash against the Illawarra Hawks. Following a gritty victory on Thursday, United is focused on building momentum as the postseason looms. Currently sitting fifth on the ladder with a 19-12 record, Melbourne remains in a tight battle for a top-four finish.
In contrast, the Hawks’ season has reached a difficult crossroads. A recent loss to the Kings officially mathematically eliminated the defending champions from play-in contention, leaving them eighth with an 11-20 record. While Illawarra has struggled for consistency, they have historically been a thorn in Melbourne's side, including a memorable Championship series last year.
Despite the Hawks' pride, United’s superior depth and motivation to secure a top-four finish should prove decisive in front of a sold-out crowd. Expect the home side to pull away and cover the -5.5 spread.
Melbourne United -5.5
$1.87 (2 Units)
Sydney Kings vs Perth Wildcats
Sunday 4:30pm AEDT (Feb 13), Qudos Bank Arena
Click here for our full game preview and betting tips!
