NBL Round 12 betting preview, analysis & predictions

The festive season has arrived in the NBL, with 11 straight days of Australian basketball action across multiple rounds. Here is our preview for round 12 of the 2023-23 NBL season.

New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings

Friday, December 22 – 7:30pm NZDT – Spark Arena

Following an impressive win in Cairns last weekend, the ninth-placed Breakers will be looking to rise up the standings as they welcome the Kings on Friday night. The second-placed side has looked vulnerable of late and should be wary of an upset against the unpredictable Breakers. However, the Kings have won four of their last five matchups with the NZ team and are one of the strongest away sides in the NBL.

Cairns Taipans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Friday, December 22 – 6:30pm AEST – Cairns Convention Centre

The most inconsistent side in the NBL right now, the Taipans have alternated wins and losses over their past six matches. They welcome the SEM Phoenix this weekend in a match that is critical for the finals positions. After sitting inside the top six all season, the Phoenix have now lost two in a row and risk dropping out with another loss this weekend.

Illawarra Hawks vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Saturday, December 23 – 5:30pm AEDT – WIN Entertainment Centre

With three wins from their last four matches, the Illawarra Hawks have begun to turn their season around as they chase an improbable finals spot. Coming up against a JackJumpers side that has lost its last two in a row, the Hawks will feel they can produce another upset on Saturday at home. However, the JackJumpers have won the last four matches between the sides and need to bounce back to stay in touch with the top two.

Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Saturday, December 23 – 8pm AEDT – John Cain Arena

The two form sides of the NBL headline round 12 as the first-placed Melbourne United host the third-placed Perth Wildcats. Keen to bounce back after their overtime loss to the Wildcats earlier in the season, United will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the standings. But with veteran Wildcats guard Bryce Cotton back to MVP form, this match should be a thriller.

Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets

Sunday, December 24 – 1:30pm ACDT – Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Sitting last in the standings and on a four-match losing streak, the Adelaide 36ers have been incredibly disappointing this season. Needing a miracle to salvage anything from their horror season, they welcome a Brisbane Bullets side that’s had some struggles of its own. Sat on the verge of a finals spot, this is a must-win match for the Bullets.

Tasmania JackJumpers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Monday, December 25 – 5:30pm AEDT – MyState Bank Arena

An exciting clash between two finals contenders kicks off the Christmas Day basketball schedule as the Tasmania JackJumpers welcome the SEM Phoenix. The winners will stay in touch with the top sides in the NBL, while the losers may find themselves plummeting down the standings. The Phoenix prevailed by just one point when these teams met earlier this season, so expect another close contest on Monday.

Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks

Monday, December 25 – 7:30pm AEDT – Qudos Bank Arena

Just holding onto a top-two position, the Sydney Kings need to continue winning games as they welcome the Illawarra Hawks on Christmas night. With five consecutive wins against Illawarra, the Kings will be full of confidence heading into this one. However, they should be careful of the dangerous Hawks, who are looking to continue their good form with another unlikely upset.

Cairns Taipans vs Perth Wildcats

Tuesday, December 26 – 6:30pm AEST – Cairns Convention Centre

The Cairns Taipans will be hoping to re-establish themselves as finals contenders when they welcome the Perth Wildcats on Boxing Day. One of the top sides in the NBL, the Wildcats have been hard to beat of late. Coming off a tough matchup against Melbourne United earlier in the round, this is a match the Wildcats need to win as they chase a top-two spot.

Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand Breakers

Wednesday, December 27 – 6:30pm AEST – Nissan Arena

Wrapping up round 12, the Brisbane Bullets continue their push for a finals position as they welcome the New Zealand Breakers. In the midst of a tumultuous season, the Breakers have been plagued by issues in defence and in their rebound game. With both sides needing to bounce back from poor recent performances, expect this to be a close contest.

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