NBL Round 5 preview, matchups & predictions

Heading into round five of the NBL campaign, title favourites Melbourne United have broken away from the rest of the league to hold the top of the ladder, while the Tasmanian JackJumpers continue to pull off the upset wins. Let’s take a look at this week’s matchups.

New Zealand Breakers vs Adelaide 36ers

Thursday, October 26 – Spark Arena (7:30pm NZDT)

The New Zealand Breakers went down to Melbourne United last week 97-88 but now return home to host the 36ers.

The 36ers pulled off an 89-78 upset against the Wildcats last round, and to have a chance here the starting trio of Jacob Wiley, Dejan Vasiljevic and Isaac Humphries will need to be firing.

New Zealand Breakers vs Adelaide 36ers betting preview and tips

Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans

Thursday, October 26 – WIN Entertainment Centre (7:30pm AEDT)

Illawarra beat the Phoenix 113-106 at home in round two and will need to take their scoring opportunities in this one if they plan to take a second win for the season.

The Taipans return for their first game on Australian shores since going down to both the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors in the NBA preseason tournament. After many players fighting illness and a few injuries, hopefully this squad is more of what we are used to come Thursday.

Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans betting preview and tips

Tasmania JackJumpers vs Melbourne United

Friday, October 27 – MyState Bank Arena (7:30pm AEDT)

The JackJumpers beat Melbourne United in round two by five points, the only loss so far for the title favourites. Last round, the Tasmanian outfit beat the Sydney Kings 105-95, and that was on the road.

United coach Dean Vickerman would have had the men in black going over tape to ensure it isn’t history repeating against the JackJumpers. He will be hoping to cut any opportunity for the JackJumpers to get on a roll.

Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets

Friday, October 27 – RAC Arena (6:30pm AWST)

After going down to the 36ers 89-78 last round, the Wildcats will be aiming to end their losing streak and take another home win.

The Bullets’ season is not going to get any easier after back-to-back losses to Melbourne United and the Phoenix. They are without big man Aron Baynes for another three games, and something is definitely off about this Brisbane side.

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs New Zealand Breakers

Saturday, October 28 – John Cain Arena (5:30pm AEDT)

A Phoenix side that has ignited will be on the hunt for a fourth-straight victory when it hosts the Breakers on Saturday.

The Breakers started their season by beating the Taipans 98-87, but they have gone on to lose their two other games for the season.

Cairns Taipans vs Sydney Kings

Saturday, October 28 – Cairns Convention Centre (7pm AEST)

The Taipans return in front of their home faithful and will be wanting to restart the season after their American adventure with a win in the tropical north.

The reigning champions will be hoping to get their title defence back on track and put behind them any noise in the media around certain former players from last round.

Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Sunday, October 29 – John Cain Arena (2pm AEDT)

United have only lost once this season, and that came at home against the JackJumpers 80-75, but this Illawarra side is not anything like that Tasmanian outfit.

The Hawks are at the bottom of the ladder with only one win from five games, and it is hard to imagine that changing after this clash with a red-hot United team.

Brisbane Bullets vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Sunday, October 29 – Nissan Arena (4pm AEST)

The Bullets return home in a rare positive for the side, if not the only one to be taken ahead of tip-off in this game.

The JackJumpers should march on in this game, showing their ability to win on their home court or on the road. Look for Anthony Drmic to have a massive game against his former side.

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