Round 1 of the NBL26 season continues on Saturday night with a double-header which concludes with a mouth-watering matchup between the Perth Wildcats and the Tasmania JackJumpers. The Wildcats are looking to kick off their season with a win, while the JackJumpers are aiming to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to United on Thursday night.
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Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 1
Life After Cotton
The NBL26 season kicks off with a heavyweight clash as the Perth Wildcats host the Tasmania JackJumpers at RAC Arena. This matchup promises a fascinating look at two teams in transition, each with new faces but the same high expectations. For the Wildcats, the season begins in a new era after the departure of five-time MVP Bryce Cotton. They've assembled a formidable roster in his absence, headlined by import stars Mason Jones and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., who have looked dominant in preseason outings. With a strong returning core including Dylan Windler and Kristian Doolittle, the Red Army is eager to see if this new-look team can maintain its championship-contending status and continue a 10-game home opener winning streak.
Plenty of Positives for the JackJumpers
The Tasmania JackJumpers come into this game on a short turnaround after a tough home loss to Melbourne United on Thursday night. While the 4-point defeat was disappointing, there were significant positives. The new import duo of Bryce Hamilton and David Johnson immediately showed their value, combining for 46 points in their NBL debut. Hamilton poured in 24 points on efficient shooting, while Johnson added a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Their immediate chemistry and scoring punch suggest they'll be a handful for any team. The challenge now for Scott Roth's team is to replicate that offensive output on the road against a high-powered Wildcats squad and improve their overall efficiency, especially from the free-throw line.
Recent H2H History
This rivalry has been highly competitive, but the Wildcats have held the recent advantage at home. The last time these two teams met in Perth, the Wildcats secured a dominant 105-73 victory, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. That result highlights the challenge the JackJumpers face in The Jungle, a notoriously difficult road environment for any visiting team.
Wildcats or JackJumpers? Here’s Our Perth vs Tasmania Tip
While the Wildcats are heavy favorites to extend their home-opener winning streak, the JackJumpers' recent performance gives cause for optimism. With the offensive talent of Hamilton and Johnson, the JackJumpers are more than capable of scoring against a re-tooled Wildcats defence. They have the grit to stay in a game, and while the result may not be a win, their ability to cover the spread is a strong possibility. We predict the JackJumpers will cover the +6.5 spread in a closely contested matchup.
JackJumpers +6.5
$1.92 (1 Unit)
Wildcats vs JackJumpers Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday, September 20th 2025
Time: 8:00pm AEST
Location: RAC Arena, Perth
Odds: Wildcats $1.42 vs JackJumpers $2.95
Line: Wildcats –6.5
Points: 180.5
Where to Watch Wildcats vs JackJumpers
You can watch the Breakers vs Bullets clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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