Sunday hoops in the NBL for Round 12 begins with a mouth-watering matchup between old rivals, Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings. It’s a 2:30pm AEDT tip-off at John Cain Arena in Melbourne, with a big sellout crowd expected. As always, we take you through our full game preview and best bets 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 Sydney Kings Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 12
United’s Form Slump
Melbourne United come into this Round 12 clash looking to halt a rare slide, having dropped three straight games following an overtime loss to the Adelaide 36ers on Friday night. That defeat was frustrating given how hard United had to work to get themselves back in the contest in the fourth quarter. The biggest positive was the return of Shea Ili from injury, even if it came under a minutes restriction. As a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year, Ili’s ability to disrupt elite guards is central to United’s identity. Now 13–5 and sitting second, United remain well placed despite their recent stumble.
Davis Destroys the Wildcats
The Sydney Kings arrive in Melbourne full of confidence after demolishing the Perth Wildcats on Friday night in one of their most complete performances of the season. Kendric Davis was outstanding in that win, pouring in 38 points and dictating the tempo from start to finish. That result lifted the Kings to 8–7 and into fourth spot, reinforcing their position firmly inside the playoff mix. While consistency has been an issue at times this season, the Kings showed just how dangerous they can be when their offence clicks and their defensive pressure sets the tone early.
Recent H2H History
This matchup has already delivered plenty of intrigue this season, with the sides splitting their two previous meetings. Interestingly, both games were won by the visiting team, highlighting how fine the margins have been between these contenders. The Kings claimed the most recent encounter by three points, a result that snapped a four-game losing streak against United and gave Sydney a psychological boost. United, however, will be well aware of how close that game was and will take confidence from the fact they have matched the Kings across both meetings.
United or Kings? Here’s Our Tip!
Despite their recent losses, United look well placed to respond here. With Ili gradually reintegrating and a strong home-court edge, they should be able to control key moments against a Kings side that can still be volatile away from home. Expect a tight contest, but Melbourne’s depth and defensive edge should prove decisive. United look a strong chance to bounce back and cover the -3.5 spread.
Melbourne United –3.5
$1.91 (2 Units)
United vs Kings 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 36ers vs United that you can follow via the link below! You can also learn more about Dabble’s Pick’Em feature here.
- Pick coming soon.
- Pick coming soon.
- Pick coming soon.
Dabble Pick‘Em Odds Multiplier: 6.5x ($10 to win $65) - Click here to get involved!
United vs Kings Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Sunday, December 14th, 2025
Time: 2:30pm AEDT
Location: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Odds: United $1.58 vs Kings $2.40
Line: United -3.5
Points: 185.5
Where to Watch United vs Kings
You can watch the United vs Kings clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back In our United vs Kings Tips at Dabble!
Not familiar with Dabble and want to learn more about what they offer? Check out our full Dabble review here, or by clicking the banner below.
