We’re now two rounds into the NBL26 season and the standings are starting to take shape. At the top we have United sitting pretty at 3-0, while the 36ers are the only other undefeated team albeit having played only once. At the bottom are the Breakers at 0-3, and the Hawks and Kings are also yet to open their account.
Last round we went 3-3 with our tips in a tough Round 2, taking us to 6-5 on the season. Let’s see if we can bounce back in Round 3!
And if you’re looking for a bookmaker to place your NBL bets on this season, look no further than Dabble – The official wagering partner of the NBL!
NBL26 Round 3 Preview & Betting Tips
Cairns Taipans vs Adelaide 36ers
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT (Oct 2), Cairns Convention Centre
Click here for our full game preview and best bet!
Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks
Thursday 9:30pm AEDT (Oct 2), RAC Arena
The Perth Wildcats welcome the Illawarra Hawks to RAC Arena for their Round 3 clash, with both teams looking to solidify their early season form. The Wildcats currently sit at a 1-1 record following a disappointing home loss to Tasmania but bounced back with a massive comeback road win over the New Zealand Breakers. While new import guard Mason Jones is still finding his rhythm and struggled in his first two outings, the star power of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (JLA) and the all-around game of Dylan Windler have kept the 'Cats competitive. JLA's presence inside and Windler's versatility will be key factors against a Hawks team still finding their way.
Illawarra opened their NBL26 campaign with a close loss at home to the JackJumpers, but their debut was highlighted by an enormous performance from new center, JaVale McGee. The three-time NBA champion put on a show, dominating the paint with 32 points and 13 rebounds, proving he will be a force in the league. However, the Hawks will again be tested by injuries, as guard Will Hickey remains sidelined with an eye injury and is still listed as TBC. The team will need to find a way to get more production from their backcourt to complement McGee's paint dominance.
This matchup presents an intriguing battle of the big men as JLA goes head-to-head with McGee. The Wildcats' home-court advantage and JLA's current form suggest they have the edge, especially if they can limit the rest of Illawarra's perimeter attack. Given Mason Jones is due for a breakout game, and the Wildcats' proven ability to win at home, expect them to pull away in the second half. The Perth Wildcats are a strong pick to cover the -3.5 spread in front of their home crowd.
Perth Wildcats -3.5
$1.85 (1 Unit)
Sydney Kings vs New Zealand Breakers
Saturday 5:30pm AEDT (Oct 4), Qudos Bank Arena
The Sydney Kings will be desperate to put a tally in the win column as they host the New Zealand Breakers in the opening match of Saturday night's Round 3 double-header. The Kings are smarting from a narrow 77-74 home loss to the Cairns Taipans in their season opener, a game where their prolific offence uncharacteristically struggled to find its range. However, with the wealth of talent on their roster, including explosive scorers and key playmakers, that offensive lull is not expected to last. Expect Sydney to come out firing on their home court to get their championship push back on track.
The New Zealand Breakers, meanwhile, find themselves in a deep hole to start the season, currently winless at 0-3 and anchored to the bottom of the ladder. Their main concern is a porous defence that has given up points in bunches, having conceded 104, 114, and 89 points across their three losses. This poor defensive record against quality opposition will be severely tested by a Kings side that boasts offensive firepower from all positions and is itching to unleash its scoring potential in front of the home crowd.
This clash is shaping up to be a high-octane affair, driven by Sydney's urgency and the Breakers' defensive shortcomings. Given the Kings' clear offensive edge and the Breakers' tendency to be involved in high-scoring contests, all signs point to a shoot-out in Sydney. This game is a strong candidate to fly over the 177.5 points line.
Over 177.5 Points
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Brisbane Bullets vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Saturday 8:00pm AEDT (Oct 4), Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Preview and best bet coming soon.
