NBL Round 17 preview, tips & betting predictions | January 25 – 28

The NBL action continues this weekend as we head towards the finals with eight matches of top-quality Australian basketball. Here are our previews for Round 17 of the 2023-24 NBL season:

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Sydney Kings preview

Thursday, January 25 – 7:30pm AEDT – State Basketball Centre

After starting the season in red-hot form, everything has gone wrong for the SEM Phoenix in recent weeks after losing their past five in a row. Now sitting last in the standings, the Phoenix are playing for pride as they welcome the Sydney Kings. Equally out of form, the Kings are holding onto their finals position by a thread as they have lost four of their last five. A must-win game for the Sydney side, who have far too much quality to miss out on the finals.

Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks preview

Thursday, January 25 – 6:30pm AWST – RAC Arena

The form team of the NBL, the Perth Wildcats, are in the midst of a stellar run after winning their past six in a row. Just one game behind first place, the Wildcats will be confident of ensuring home advantage in the finals. They welcome the eighth-placed Illawarra Hawks this weekend, who come off three straight losses and should struggle with the toughest road trip in the NBL.

New Zealand Breakers vs Tasmania JackJumpers preview

Friday, January 26 – 7:30pm NZDT – Eventfinda Stadium

Coming off a massive 21-point win over the first-placed United last weekend, the JackJumpers will be full of confidence as they head over to New Zealand. Looking to separate themselves from the logjam of sides sitting around .500, the JackJumpers have the chance to basically lock in their finals position with a win here. The Breakers were also impressive in their 31-point win over the Phoenix last week and will be up for the fight to keep their faint finals chances alive at home.

Brisbane Bullets vs Melbourne United preview

Friday, January 26 – 6:30pm AEST – Nissan Arena

Winners of five of their past six matches, the Brisbane Bullets have found form at the right time of the season to climb up to fourth on the standings. Facing an out-of-touch Melbourne United this weekend, the Bullets have an excellent chance of an upset over the top side in the competition. However, United have won the past five matches between the sides, and despite their inconsistent form, have plenty of quality here.

Adelaide 36ers vs Cairns Taipans preview

Saturday, January 27 – 5:00pm ACDT – Adelaide Entertainment Centre

After winning four of their past five matches, the Adelaide 36ers have miraculously climbed their way off the bottom of the standings for the first time in months. Needing to win all remaining matches to make the finals, they welcome the inconsistent Taipans this weekend. After beating the 36ers just two weeks ago, the Taipans should be confident again, but following their 18-point loss last weekend, they will need to bounce back well.

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Perth Wildcats preview

Saturday, January 27 – 8:00pm AEDT – State Basketball Centre

Two sides on completely opposing runs of form, the Wildcats will be confident of a successful road trip as they head to Melbourne to face the last-placed Phoenix. Both sides playing their second match of the weekend, there is too much on the line for the Wildcats here as they try to lock in their top-two spot with a win.

Illawarra Hawks vs New Zealand Breakers preview

Sunday, January 28 – 2:00pm AEDT – WIN Entertainment Stadium

With both sides holding onto their narrow finals hopes, this match may have major implications for the play-in tournament. The Hawks have lost their last three matches in a row, whilst the Breakers have won just one of their past four. With the match being held in Wollongong, the Hawks should be confident as they have won the previous two encounters this season.

Sydney Kings vs Melbourne United preview

Sunday, January 28 – 4:00pm AEDT – Qudos Bank Arena

A big clash wraps up round 17 as the first-placed Melbourne United head up to Sydney to face the Kings. At risk of losing the top spot for the first time this season, United will be keen to return to form heading into the finals as they face the struggling Kings. However, the defending champions have plenty of talent, and at home, they are a dangerous match-up here.

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