The final round of the NBL26 regular season is here, and there’s still plenty of playoff positioning that needs deciding. On top of that, the Ignite Cup final will be played on Sunday with the 36ers and the Breakers doing battle on the Gold Coast. We bring you our best bets for all of this weekend’s games here!
NBL26 Round 22 Preview & Betting Tips
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks
Wednesday 7:30pm AEDT (Feb 18), MyState Bank Arena
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New Zealand Breakers vs Cairns Taipans
Thursday 5:30pm AEDT (Feb 19), Eventfina Stadium
The New Zealand Breakers host the Cairns Taipans on Thursday night at Eventfinda Stadium for their final fixture of the NBL26 regular season. While both sides have been eliminated from the finals race, there is plenty of motivation as the Breakers prepare for Sunday’s inaugural Ignite Cup Final against Adelaide.
The big news for New Zealand is the return of star big man Sam Mennenga and Next Star Karim Lopez, who have both been cleared to play after injury layoffs. Their presence is a massive boost, though the Breakers will be without import guard Izaiah Brockington due to a hip flexor strain. The Taipans arrive led by Jack McVeigh, who recently committed his future to Cairns with a new extension.
While the Taipans will be keen to end their disappointing season on a high, the emotion of a final home game and the return of key frontcourt stars should give the hosts the edge. Expect a high-scoring affair ending in a Breakers victory.
NZ Breakers to Win
$1.75 (2.5 Units)
Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT (Feb 19), John Cain Arena
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Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings
Friday 7:30pm AEDT (Feb 20), Brisbane Entertainment Centre
The final round of the NBL26 season continues on Friday as the table-topping Sydney Kings travel to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre to face the struggling Brisbane Bullets. Brian Goorjian’s Kings are on a ten-game winning streak and need a victory to clinch the minor premiership. Led by MVP frontrunner Kendric Davis, Sydney’s offence has been lethal, but expect them to manage minutes carefully once a lead is established.
Conversely, the Bullets have endured a horror 2026, winless in 12 straight matches. Severely depleted by injuries to key stars, Brisbane’s scoring has plummeted, failing to reach 83 points in their last eight outings. With Sydney likely to control the tempo and Brisbane struggling to find the hoop, expect the total points to go under the 188.5 line.
Under 188.5 Points
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers
Friday 9:30pm AEDT (Feb 20), RAC Arena
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