Saturday night in NBL27 Round 6 presents us with another double-header for us to sink our teeth into! The second game of the night is the pick of the pair, with South East Melbourne Phoenix hosting the Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena. Neither side has set the world on fire thus far, but both have very high quality rosters.
Check out our preview, tips and Dabble Pick'em play for the Phoenix vs 36ers!
NBL27 · ROUND 6
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers
Saturday 24 October 2026 · 7:30pm AEDT
John Cain Arena, Melbourne
| Market |
Selection |
Odds |
| Match winner |
Adelaide 36ers |
$2.03 (1 unit) |
| Dabble Pick’Em |
3-leg player picks |
6.5x |
Phoenix Looking to Build on Cairns Win
South East Melbourne needed a response last weekend and delivered it with a 115-83 win over Cairns. Nathan Sobey led the way with 29 points, including seven three-pointers, as the Phoenix improved to 3-5. After losing five of their previous six games, it was a welcome reminder of how dangerous they can be when their offence gets going.
Jordan Hunter’s return also made a difference. He finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, including eight at the offensive end, giving Phoenix repeated opportunities around the basket. That work on the boards will be important against an Adelaide side still trying to strengthen its frontcourt.
The question is whether Phoenix can back it up defensively. They conceded 115 points to Brisbane two days earlier and allowed Cairns to score 35 in the opening quarter before taking control. The improvement over the remaining three quarters was encouraging, but they cannot afford those same lapses against Bryce Cotton.
Adelaide Finding Their Feet on the Road
Adelaide have steadied their season with consecutive away wins over Sydney and Tasmania, bringing their record back to 4-4. Beating the Kings 84-78 and then the JackJumpers 94-88 is a strong response after three straight defeats, particularly with injuries forcing changes to their rotation.
Cotton was outstanding in Hobart, scoring 35 points and taking charge late after Nick Rakocevic fouled out. Zylan Cheatham’s 15 points and 11 rebounds were also valuable. Adelaide need that support around Cotton, especially against a Phoenix side capable of scoring quickly and putting pressure on opponents to keep up.
There has also been significant news off the court, with Isaac Humphries announcing his retirement and Mangok Mathiang joining as frontcourt cover. Trevor Gleeson expects Mathiang to feature on Saturday, although he has cautioned that the centre still needs to build his fitness. Even a short contribution could help Adelaide manage the minutes behind Rakocevic.
Phoenix vs 36ers Betting Tips
I’m backing Adelaide after impressive road wins over Sydney and Tasmania. Phoenix were excellent against Cairns, but their defensive lapses remain a concern against Cotton, who scored 38 in the deciding game of last season’s semi-final series between these sides.
The Sixers need to look after the ball and avoid feeding Phoenix easy transition baskets. At the other end, extra attention on Cotton should create opportunities for Rakocevic around the basket.
This should be competitive, but Adelaide’s recent form gives me more confidence. With Cotton there to take charge late, I’m backing the Sixers to make it three straight wins on the road.
Our Best Bet
Adelaide 36ers to Win
$2.03 (1 unit)
Phoenix vs 36ers Dabble Pick‘Em
We’ve put together a 3-leg Dabble Pick’Em for this game. View Dabble Pick’Em.
3-Leg Pick’Em
- Bryce Cotton - Over 28.5 Points
- Nathan Sobey - Over 19.5 Points
- Jordan Hunter - Over 6.5 Rebounds
Odds multiplier: 6.5x
View Pick’Em at Dabble →
Phoenix vs 36ers Betting Odds & Match Info
| Date |
Saturday 24 October 2026 |
| Time |
7:30pm AEDT |
| Venue |
John Cain Arena, Melbourne |
| Head-to-head odds |
Phoenix ($1.79) vs 36ers ($2.03) |
| Line |
36ers +1.5 |
| Total points |
190.5 |
Odds and player lines are indicative of the supplied preview and may change. 18+ Gamble Responsibly.
