NBL Round 16 preview, tips & betting predictions | January 17 – 21

With the NBL finals rapidly approaching, every team is looking to find form at the right time of the season. This weekend is another jam-packed schedule with eight games of high-quality Australian basketball. Here are our previews for Round 16 of the 2023-24 NBL season:

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers preview

Wednesday, January 17 – 7:30pm AEDT – State Basketball Centre

After losing their past three matches in a row, the SEM Phoenix are in real danger of missing the finals as they have slid down to eighth in the standings. Needing a win to keep their season alive, they have a great chance this weekend as the last-placed 36ers come to Melbourne. The 36ers have been playing for pride over the last few weeks, but with two wins in their past three matches, they are capable of an upset on the road here.

Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans preview

Thursday, January 18 – 7:30pm AEDT – WIN Entertainment Centre

In the midst of a resurgence across the back half of the season, the Illawarra Hawks are one of the most dangerous sides in the NBL right now. After winning six of their past eight, the Hawks are now up to sixth in the standings, with finals a real possibility. Just behind the Hawks, the Cairns Taipans are on the verge of the finals spots, but while a win would put them into the top six, a loss would devastate their post-season chances.

Tasmania JackJumpers vs Melbourne United preview

Friday, January 19 – 7:30pm AEDT – MyState Bank Arena

With just one win from their past five matches, it doesn’t get much easier for the JackJumpers this weekend as they welcome the first placed Melbourne United. Whilst they are sat in third place, the Tassie side would drop down to sixth place with a loss. With their finals position locked in, United are now looking to secure first place and will be confident facing the out of form JackJumpers.

Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets preview

Friday, January 19 – 6:30pm AWST – RAC Arena

The two form sides of the NBL face off on Friday night as the Perth Wildcats host the Brisbane Bullets. Both sides enter this match on four-game winning streaks which should give us a cracking contest. However, the Wildcats have won their past six at home, which spells trouble for the resurgent Bullets. Led by the two highest scorers in the NBL, watch out for the exciting guard battle between Bryce Cotton and Nathan Sobey.

New Zealand Breakers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix preview

Saturday, January 20 – 7:30pm NZDT – Spark Arena

With their third consecutive loss last weekend, the New Zealand Breakers’ season is hanging by a thread. Back at home this week, they have a great chance to turn their season around as they face the struggling Phoenix, who come across for their second match of the weekend. Against the worst rebounding side in the NBL, Phoenix centre Alan Williams will play a major role as the best rebounder in the competition. Whilst the Breakers guard duo of Anthony Lamb and Parker Jackson-Cartwright should feast against the worst defence in the NBL.

Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers preview

Saturday, January 20 – 8:00pm AEDT – WIN Entertainment Centre

In a critical match for their finals chances, the Illawarra Hawks face a must-win game against the struggling 36ers on Saturday night. With the logjam of sides around the middle of the standings, the Hawks will be looking for their second win of the weekend at home. The sides have split the two previous matches this season, but historically it has been the 36ers who have had the edge, winning four of the past five matches between the sides.

Sydney Kings vs Perth Wildcats preview

Sunday, January 21 – 2:00pm AEDT – Qudos Bank Arena

After losing their previous three matches, the Sydney Kings finally returned to form last weekend with their 29-point demolition job against the Breakers. Needing to win to avoid the chasing pack, the Kings welcome the dangerous Wildcats. Playing their second match of the weekend, the Wildcats should still be on a winning streak and are very dangerous despite playing on the road.

Cairns Taipans vs Brisbane Bullets preview

Sunday, January 21 – 3:00pm AEST – Cairns Convention Centre

A clash between the two Queensland sides wraps up Round 16 as the in-form Bullets head up to face the Taipans. With up to seven sides competing for just four places, this match could spell the end of the finals hopes for the Taipans who already sit two matches below .500. The three previous matches between the sides this season have all been decided within five points so hopefully we are treated to another thrilling encounter this weekend.

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