Round 5 in NBL26 is another big one with nine games on the schedule between Wednesday night and Sunday afternoon. There are double-headers everywhere you look and we have you covered with our best bets for all games.
Last round we went 4-4 with our tips to take us to 13-10 +3.63 Units for the season. Let’s see if we can build on our season with a big Round 5!
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 5 Preview & Betting Tips
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Sydney Kings
Wednesday 7:30pm AEDT (Oct 15), MyState Bank Arena
Click here for our full game preview and best bet!
Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets
Wednesday 9:30pm AEDT (Oct 15), RAC Arena
The Wildcats are beginning to hit their stride after a slow start, improving to 3-1 with three straight victories. Their latest win came in a gritty 80-77 result over the Taipans in Cairns, where Dylan Windler was superb while others struggled to find their range. Despite an off night offensively, Perth’s defensive composure and late-game poise once again proved decisive, continuing their reputation as one of the league’s toughest road teams.
The Bullets, on the other hand, have slumped to 1-4 after dropping four in a row, including a heavy 27-point defeat to the Hawks last round. Their offensive rhythm has vanished, with poor shooting and turnovers costing them repeatedly. Perth has dominated the recent matchups, winning the last two encounters by 20 or more points. With both sides far from fluent on the offensive end, the most logical play for this clash looks to be under 182.5 total points.
Under 182.5 Points
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT (Oct 16), Adelaide Entertainment Centre
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New Zealand Breakers vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Friday 5:30pm AEDT (Oct 17), Spark Arena
The New Zealand Breakers return home desperate to spark their season after another frustrating defeat, falling to South East Melbourne by six points despite leading by double digits at half-time. Now 1-5, the Breakers’ struggles at both ends of the floor have become glaring, with defensive lapses and inconsistent shooting continuing to cost them late in games. They’ll need a complete turnaround to avoid slipping further behind the pack.
Tasmania, meanwhile, enter this clash in strong form after dismantling the Sydney Kings by 16 points on Wednesday night. The JackJumpers improved to 4-2 on the season and have been particularly impressive on the road, winning three of their first four away fixtures. Their disciplined defence and efficient half-court offence continue to be hallmarks under Scott Roth’s system.
Given the contrasting trajectories, the JackJumpers appear a class above right now and should comfortably cover the -2.5 spread.
Tasmania JackJumpers -2.5
$1.80 (1 Units)
Brisbane Bullets vs Melbourne United
Friday 7:30pm AEDT (Oct 17), Brisbane Entertainment Centre
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Cairns Taipans vs Adelaide 36ers
Saturday 5:30pm AEDT (Oct 18), Cairns Convention Centre
The Cairns Taipans return home searching for answers after being thrashed by 35 points against Melbourne United. It marked their third defeat by 30 or more this season, highlighting major concerns on both ends of the floor. At 2-4, the Taipans’ defence has been far too leaky, and the absence of Jack McVeigh through injury only adds to their troubles ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Adelaide, on the other hand, responded impressively to their first setback of the season, cruising past South East Melbourne by 17 points. The 36ers improved to 4-1 and continue to look like one of the most balanced sides in the competition, led by an explosive offence and relentless energy on the glass.
Given how comprehensively Adelaide dismantled Cairns by 31 points in their previous meeting, it’s hard to see a different result here. The 36ers should again dominate and cover comfortably.
Adelaide 36ers -9.5
$1.95 (2 Units)
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks
Saturday 8:00pm AEDT (Oct 18), John Cain Arena
South East Melbourne will be looking to respond after a disappointing 17-point loss to Adelaide that dropped them to 2-2. The Phoenix never found any rhythm offensively in that game, managing just 27 first-half points as their shooting woes continued. Their ball movement and spacing have been inconsistent, and they’ll need to rediscover their flow quickly to avoid slipping into a mid-table battle.
Illawarra, meanwhile, finally clicked last round, snapping their 0-3 start with an emphatic 27-point demolition of Brisbane. The Hawks showed the defensive intensity and inside dominance that had been missing through the opening weeks, with their frontcourt asserting control and their transition game firing.
If the Hawks can maintain that physicality, JaVale McGee looms as a major mismatch inside against Jordy Hunter. With renewed confidence and a stronger balance at both ends, Illawarra look the better side here and should come away with back-to-back wins.
Illawarra Hawks to Win
$1.99 (2 Units)
Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers
Sunday 2:30pm AEDT (Oct 19), John Cain Arena
Melbourne United continue to set the benchmark in NBL26, moving to 6-0 after a solid nine-point win over Brisbane on Friday night. United’s depth and versatility have been unmatched so far, with contributions coming from across the roster and their offence operating with precision and pace. Their spacing, ball movement, and three-point shooting have made them the most potent scoring side in the league.
New Zealand, meanwhile, finally grabbed their second win of the season by edging out Tasmania on Friday to move to 2-5. It wasn’t convincing, though, as the Breakers again struggled with turnovers and execution in key moments. They now face a far tougher task against the unbeaten ladder-leaders.
When these sides last met, United poured in 114 points in a dominant display, and a similar offensive showing looks likely. With both teams capable of scoring freely, this clash should sail over the 173.5 points line.
Over 173.5 Points
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Sydney Kings vs Perth Wildcats
Sunday 4:30pm AEDT (Oct 19), Qudos Bank Arena
The Sydney Kings return home looking to rebound strongly after a disappointing 16-point defeat to the JackJumpers in Hobart. Their offence struggled to find rhythm in that game, but they have the size and athleticism to quickly turn things around. The Kings’ frontcourt depth should give them a clear advantage here, allowing them to dominate the boards and create second-chance opportunities. Expect them to use their length defensively to trap and pressure Perth’s inexperienced guards into mistakes.
For the Perth Wildcats, their Round 5 home loss to the undermanned Bullets was a genuine shock, falling by 17 points in a flat performance that prompted the club to release import guard Mason Jones immediately afterwards. The Wildcats’ ball movement and defensive intensity have both dipped in recent weeks, and without a proven secondary playmaker, their offence can stagnate under pressure. They’ll need much sharper execution to stay competitive against Sydney’s disciplined defence.
With both sides desperate to bounce back, the Kings appear far better equipped to do so. Their superior depth and defensive versatility should create consistent mismatch problems for Perth, who will struggle to handle Sydney’s size and tempo. The Kings look the stronger, more balanced side and should comfortably cover the -5.5 spread at home.
Sydney Kings -5.5
$1.94 (2.5 Units)
