Round 1 of the NBL26 season gets underway on Thursday night with the JackJumpers vs United, which is the first of five games for the opening round. The JackJumpers, United, and Breakers are all in action twice over the weekend, while the 36ers, Hawks, and Kings will have to wait an extra week to get their campaigns underway.
We finished the NBL25 regular season with an 89-63 record for +29.68 units, so let’s try and back it up with a hot start in Round 1. We bring you our best bets for each and every game below!
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 1 Preview & Betting Tips
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Melbourne United
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT (Sep 18), MyState Bank Arena
Click here for our full game preview and best bet!
New Zealand Breakers vs Brisbane Bullets
Friday 5:30pm AEDT (Sep 19), Spark Arena
Click here for our full game preview and best bet!
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Cairns Taipans
Saturday 5:30pm AEDT (Sep 20), John Cain Arena
Round 1 of the NBL26 season continues on Saturday night with a matchup between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Cairns Taipans. The Phoenix, playing on their home court at John Cain Arena, enter as favorites following a strong off-season and pre-season campaign. They will look to rely on their experienced core, led by veterans like Nathan Sobey and Jordan Hunter, and their new import players to set the tone for their season. The home-court advantage could prove to be a significant factor.
However, the Taipans are not to be underestimated. Despite a 22-point pre-season loss to the Phoenix, Cairns was without several key players, including a host of new recruits. The full-strength Snakes will be a completely different proposition, ready to showcase their re-tooled roster and an exciting new frontcourt duo in former NBA forward Admiral Schofield and championship-winning Jack McVeigh. The Taipans’ new-look squad is built for toughness and scoring.
While the Phoenix are a tough team to beat, the Taipans' new-look squad is more than capable of covering the +6.5 spread and potentially even pulling off the upset. With the fresh talent of McVeigh and Schofield, and a different look than in the pre-season, the Taipans will be a significant test for the Phoenix. Expect a tight, hard-fought contest where the Taipans' revamped roster keeps the game close, ultimately beating the spread and sending a warning shot to the rest of the league.
Also Backing: Taipans to Win $2.75 (0.5 Units)
Cairns Taipans +6.5
$1.82 (1 Unit)
Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Saturday 8:00pm AEDT (Sep 20), RAC Arena
Click here for our full game preview and best bet!
Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers
Sunday 2:30pm AEDT (Sep 21), John Cain Arena
Click here for our full game preview and best bet!
