NBL27 Round 8 Predictions & Tips

4–8 November 2026 | All times AEDT

Brisbane host Perth at Nissan Arena looking to build some consistency after an uneven start to NBL27. The Bullets have demonstrated their offensive potential with impressive wins over South East Melbourne and Illawarra, but defensive lapses have continued to undermine their performances. Tyrell Harrison remains an important presence inside, while Nate Hinton, Max Mackinnon and Raul Neto provide scoring and playmaking options.

Perth have enjoyed a stronger start to the season, although their performances have also been inconsistent. The Wildcats responded to a heavy defeat against Sydney with a thrilling 103–102 victory over Melbourne United, highlighting their ability to compete with the competition's leading teams. Kristian Doolittle remains central to their success, supported by the perimeter shooting of Elijah Pepper and Dylan Windler.

This should be an entertaining contest between two sides capable of scoring heavily. Brisbane will look to exploit Perth's injury concerns and establish an advantage inside, but the Wildcats' greater consistency and offensive versatility could prove decisive. The Bullets will need a considerably better defensive effort to secure another home victory.

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Cairns return home looking to repeat their earlier 110–100 victory over Illawarra in Wollongong. The Taipans have been competitive throughout the opening rounds, with Jack McVeigh, Keanu Pinder and Jaylon Brown providing a dangerous combination of scoring and athleticism. Their offensive depth has been a major strength, although consistency remains an issue.

Illawarra will arrive with renewed confidence after an impressive 105–98 upset victory over Perth at RAC Arena last Saturday. Kelan Martin led the Hawks with 23 points, while Makur Maker added 21 as Illawarra dominated the rebounding battle 45–31. It was a much-needed result after a disappointing start to the season and demonstrated that the Hawks remain dangerous when their defensive intensity and effort improve.

The Taipans will still fancy their chances at home, but Illawarra's performance against Perth makes this a more intriguing contest than their respective ladder positions suggest. Cairns have the offensive weapons to trouble the Hawks again, although the visitors will be looking to build on their best performance in several weeks and secure consecutive victories for the first time this season.

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Tasmania return to the Silverdome on Friday night after a challenging Round 7, with injuries becoming an increasingly serious concern for Scott Roth's side. The JackJumpers have been among the competition's strongest teams, but the losses of David Johnson (calf) and Ben Gold (foot) add to an injury list already featuring Majok Deng, Ben Ayre and Bryce Hamilton. With their depth being tested, Tasmania will need another big performance from Will Magnay and their remaining senior players.

New Zealand have also had their share of injury problems, particularly in the backcourt, where Parker Jackson-Cartwright's absence has placed additional responsibility on Carlin Davison. Sam Mennenga has been outstanding offensively and shapes as a key player against Tasmania's physical frontcourt. The Breakers have enough scoring talent to trouble the JackJumpers, although their ability to maintain defensive pressure remains important.

The battle between Magnay and Mennenga should be one of the highlights of the round. Tasmania's home-court advantage and defensive structure make them difficult to beat, but their growing injury list leaves them vulnerable against a Breakers outfit capable of producing an upset.

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Adelaide return home on Saturday afternoon desperate to turn their season around after another disappointing result against Brisbane in Round 7. The 36ers have struggled to find consistency despite the scoring brilliance of Bryce Cotton, with defensive lapses and an inability to sustain their best basketball proving costly. Coach Trevor Gleeson will be demanding a response after the latest setback, particularly with Adelaide in danger of slipping further behind the leading teams.

Illawarra, meanwhile, have reason to be more optimistic following their impressive 105–98 victory over Perth last weekend. The Hawks dominated the rebounding battle in that contest, with Kelan Martin and Makur Maker providing the offensive firepower. It was a welcome improvement after a difficult opening to the season and should give Illawarra confidence heading into another challenging road assignment.

The Hawks have already beaten Adelaide 114–92 in Wollongong this season, making this an important opportunity for the 36ers to respond. Cotton remains the obvious danger for Illawarra, but Adelaide will need a more balanced team performance and significantly better defensive execution. With both sides desperate for wins, this shapes as a more competitive contest than their ladder positions might suggest.

Melbourne United return to John Cain Arena on Saturday night looking to build momentum after an inconsistent opening to NBL27. United have struggled to reproduce the dominance of previous seasons, particularly on their home floor, where they've already suffered several defeats. Their defence remains capable of restricting quality opposition, but finding consistent scoring contributions has been an issue, particularly with Chris Goulding battling a calf injury.

Brisbane have experienced similar frustrations, mixing impressive offensive performances with costly defensive lapses. The Bullets have been competitive despite a growing injury list, with Raul Neto providing valuable playmaking and Nate Hinton offering another scoring threat. However, Max Mackinnon and Lay Mayen were both ruled out of their Round 7 clash against Adelaide, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Brisbane's available personnel.

United have dominated this matchup in recent seasons, winning the last six meetings, and will be confident of extending that record at home. Brisbane's rebounding strength could create problems, but their defensive inconsistency and injury concerns give Melbourne an opportunity to take control. With both sides chasing consistency, this shapes as an important contest in the early-season finals race.

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Sydney return home on Sunday afternoon looking to consolidate their position near the top of the NBL27 ladder. The Kings have been particularly impressive defensively, highlighted by their recent victories over Perth and Illawarra, before grinding out a 71–68 win against Tasmania in Launceston. Kendric Davis continues to provide the offensive spark, while Sydney's ability to control the tempo and restrict opposition scoring has been a major strength.

South East Melbourne will be desperate to respond after suffering a disappointing 98–89 defeat to an injury-depleted Tasmania in Round 7. The Phoenix had entered that contest on the back of consecutive convincing victories, but fell 22 points behind before mounting a late comeback. D'Shawn Schwartz impressed with 27 points, although coach Josh King was critical of his team's inconsistent effort and inability to sustain their intensity across four quarters.

This shapes as a significant test for the Phoenix against one of the competition's strongest defensive teams. South East Melbourne have the scoring firepower to challenge Sydney, but their defensive inconsistency remains a concern. The Kings' home-court advantage and greater reliability make them difficult to oppose.

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Perth complete their Round 8 double-header at RAC Arena on Sunday afternoon against a Cairns outfit that has emerged as a genuine threat this season. The Wildcats have produced some impressive performances, including a thrilling one-point victory over Melbourne United, but have also suffered costly defeats against Sydney and Illawarra. Kristian Doolittle remains their most influential player, while Elijah Pepper and Dylan Windler provide the perimeter scoring needed to stretch opposition defences.

Cairns have been one of the competition's more encouraging sides, winning five of their opening nine matches and showing considerable improvement offensively. Jack McVeigh has added valuable experience and scoring ability, while Keanu Pinder and Jaylon Brown give the Taipans several ways to attack. Cairns have already demonstrated their ability to beat quality opposition, although their performances away from home remain an important measure of their progress.

The Wildcats will have the advantage of playing at home, but their second game in five days could become a factor against an energetic Cairns side. The Taipans' offensive versatility makes them dangerous, particularly if Pinder can establish himself inside. Perth's experience and home-court advantage give them an edge, although Cairns have enough talent to make this a competitive finish to Round 8.