Round 20 in the NBL26 season continues on Saturday night with another double-header for fans to enjoy. Second up on the night is a pivotal and high-quality matchup between two contenders, with Melbourne United set to host the Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena. We bring you our full betting preview below!
Also, we’re providing previews and expert betting tips for every game of the NBL26 season, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
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!
Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 20
This is Crucial For United
Melbourne United enters this Round 20 clash at John Cain Arena looking to steady the ship before the post-season. Dean Vickerman’s squad has welcomed back defensive lynchpin Shea Ili, whose ability to harass opposing guards is vital for their structure. Offensively, they still rely on the scoring punch of Chris Goulding and Milton Doyle, while Jesse Edwards provides the necessary muscle in the paint. Sitting fifth on the ladder, United knows a home win here is crucial to securing a double chance in the Finals.
36ers Losing Their Grip on Top 2
The Adelaide 36ers are currently in a bit of a slump, having lost five of their last seven games. Despite the recent dip, they still hold second spot and possess the league's most dangerous offensive weapon in Bryce Cotton, who is putting up over 25 points per game. Coach Mike Wells will be demanding a much better defensive effort than what they showed in their recent loss to the Hawks. With Zylan Cheatham cleaning up the glass and Isaac Humphries anchoring the middle, the 36ers have the tools to spoil Melbourne's night if they can rediscover their early season grit.
Recent H2H History
Head to head history between these two has been tight this season. They’ve split their previous two meetings, with Melbourne taking a one point thriller in October thanks to a late Tyson Walker triple. Adelaide got their revenge in December with a high scoring win at home, but the venue change matters. United has been dominant at John Cain Arena recently, winning their last five home games against the 36ers. Expect another physical battle where tactical adjustments between Vickerman and Wells decide the result.
What to Expect? Here’s Our Tip!
While these teams can score, Saturday night feels like a defensive grind. Melbourne’s priority will be slowing the tempo to limit Cotton’s touches, especially with Ili back in the rotation to apply pressure. Adelaide’s offence has looked a bit stagnant lately, and United usually keeps things tight at home. Given the massive Finals implications and the likely playoff intensity, the total points should stay under the 182.5 line as both sides prioritise stops over transition buckets.
Under 182.5 Points
$1.87 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne vs Adelaide 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 36ers clash that you can follow via the link below! You can also learn more about Dabble’s Pick’Em feature here.
- Bryce Cotton 25.5 Points (LESS)
- Shea Ili 9.5 Points (MORE)
- Flynn Cameron 13.5 Points (MORE)
Dabble Pick‘Em Odds Multiplier: 6.5x ($10 to win $65) - Click here to get involved!
Melbourne vs Adelaide Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday, February 7th, 2026
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Location: John Cain Arena
Odds: United $1.70 vs 36ers $2.15
Line: United -2.5
Points: 182.5
Where to Watch United vs 36ers
You can watch the United vs 36ers clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back In our United vs 36ers Tips at Dabble!
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