HoopsFest in the NBL includes a Saturday night double-header with both games being played at RAC Arena in Perth. Second up on the night is the feature game which will see Melbourne United take on the Tasmania JackJumpers in a pivotal matchup. We bring you our full preview and betting tips for the game below!
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Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 17
United Still Struggling For Form
Melbourne United arrive at HoopsFest under mounting pressure, their season having taken a sharp turn after a blistering start. United opened the campaign with a perfect 9–0 record and looked every bit a title contender, but form has deserted them in recent weeks. They’ve now lost three straight games and eight of their past 10, sliding to a 15–10 record. A defeat in Perth would see them drop to fifth on the ladder, a sobering prospect for a team that once set the competition’s early pace and expectations.
JackJumpers Finding Their Groove
The Tasmania JackJumpers, meanwhile, are trending in the opposite direction as they push for a late-season surge. Sitting sixth at 12–13, they are three wins adrift of fifth but also three clear of seventh, leaving their finals fate very much in their own hands. The JackJumpers have won two in a row and six of their last 10, rediscovering the grit and defensive identity that has defined them in recent seasons. HoopsFest presents a valuable opportunity to continue building momentum against a wounded heavyweight.
Recent H2H History
Recent head-to-head history adds another layer of intrigue to this Round 17 matchup. The JackJumpers have held the edge this season, winning two of the three meetings between the sides. Melbourne claimed the first encounter, but Tasmania responded emphatically by taking the last two clashes, finding ways to disrupt United’s rhythm and execute late. That recent success will give the JackJumpers confidence on a neutral floor at RAC Arena, where familiarity is removed and composure becomes paramount.
United or JackJumpers? Here’s Our Tip!
Despite Melbourne’s struggles, United are backed to respond here, priced at $2.25 to get the job done. The form line is concerning, but this roster has too much talent for the slide to continue indefinitely. HoopsFest often produces statement performances, and United remain capable of rediscovering their defensive edge and offensive balance. Against a competitive but limited JackJumpers outfit, this shapes as a prime opportunity for Melbourne to steady their season and remind the league of their ceiling.
Melbourne United to Win
$2.25 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne vs Tasmania Dabble Pick‘Em
Popular sportsbook Dabble have launched Pick’Em - a new a simpler way to combine player markets from the same game for bigger odds. We’ve put together a 3-Leg Pick’Em for the United vs JackJumpers clash that you can follow via the link below! You can also learn more about Dabble’s Pick’Em feature here.
- Milton Doyle 15 Points (MORE)
- Finn Delany 13 Points (MORE)
- Will Magnay 11 Points (MORE)
Dabble Pick‘Em Odds Multiplier: 6.5x ($10 to win $65) - Click here to get involved!
Melbourne vs Tasmania Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Time: 9:30pm AEDT
Location: RAC Arena, Perth
Odds: United $2.10 vs JackJumpers $1.75
Line: JackJumpers -2.5
Points: 175.5
Where to Watch Melbourne vs Tasmania
You can watch the United vs JackJumpers clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back In our Melbourne vs Tasmania Tips at Dabble!
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