Round 19 in NBL25 begins on Thursday night with the JackJumpers vs Hawks. That’s the first of seven games for the round which spans across four days (Thursday-Sunday). The 36ers, Wildcats, Phoenix, and JackJumpers all have a double-game round, and there are plenty of crucial matchups across the weekend as teams fight for playoff spots.
We’re coming off another positive weekend in Round 18 where we went 4-3 for +1.25 units. We're now 83-56 (+32.67 units) for the season! As always, we bring you our best bets for all Round 19 games below.
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NBL25 Round 19 Preview & Betting Tips
Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT (Jan 30), MyState Bank Arena
The JackJumpers enter this must-win clash against the Hawks with slim hopes of making the play-in tournament. Sitting 12-13 and seventh on the ladder, they need to win both of their remaining games while also relying on the 36ers to lose both of theirs. That scenario appears unlikely, especially given Tasmania’s recent struggles. Their 36-point loss to the Phoenix last outing was their fourth consecutive defeat by a double-digit margin. However, the return of Majok Deng and Anthony Drmic provides some much-needed depth as they look to salvage their fading season.
Illawarra, on the other hand, sits atop the standings at 17-9 and needs just one more win to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Their six-point loss to the last-placed Taipans in their previous game was a setback, but they had won two straight prior to that and remain in a strong position. Head coach Justin Tatum will demand a response, ensuring his side avoids complacency and builds momentum heading into the finals. The Hawks will look to Tyler Harvey, Trey Kell, and Sam Froling to bounce back after subpar performances against Cairns.
Given Tasmania’s poor form and the near-impossible task of making the play-in tournament, motivation could be an issue. Meanwhile, the Hawks have everything to play for, with top spot still on the line. With that in mind, expect Illawarra to be too strong and claim an important victory as they continue their push towards the postseason.
Hawks -8.5
$1.89 (1 Unit)
Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets
Friday 7:30pm AEDT (Jan 31), Adelaide Entertainment Centre
The Adelaide 36ers are peaking at the perfect time, riding a three-game winning streak and claiming six victories from their last eight outings. Their record now sits at 13-13, and after the JackJumpers' loss to the Hawks, they are on the verge of securing a Play-In Tournament spot. A win on Friday night would officially book their place in the postseason. The 36ers have turned their home court into a fortress, winning their last three games at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and matching the league’s best home record with nine wins. Their offensive efficiency has been strong, and they should feel confident against an undermanned opponent.
The Brisbane Bullets, meanwhile, have already been eliminated from playoff contention and are limping towards the finish line. They have lost eight of their last ten games and are dealing with a severe injury crisis. Tyrell Harrison, Josh Bannan, and Deng Adel have all been ruled out for Friday’s clash, joining long-term absentees James Batemon, Jarred Bairstow, and Sam McDaniel on the sidelines. With so many key players missing, the Bullets will be forced to rely heavily on their depth, which has struggled in recent weeks.
Scoring has been a major issue for Brisbane, as they have surpassed the 90-point mark just once in their last nine games. Given their limited firepower and recent form, I can’t see how they get to that mark in this one.
Bullets Under 89.5 Points
$1.90 (2 Units)
Perth Wildcats vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Friday 9:30pm AEDT (Jan 31), RAC Arena
Melbourne United face the Tasmania JackJumpers in a crucial matchup with major playoff implications. United sit second on the ladder at 17-10 and are in prime position to secure a top-two finish, which guarantees direct qualification to the semi-finals. They have been in strong form, winning five of their last seven games and building momentum at the right time. The JackJumpers, on the other hand, are clinging to slim finals hopes at 12-15, with their chances kept alive by Brisbane’s shock win over Adelaide. However, their poor percentage makes jumping into sixth place an uphill battle.
The Wildcats have hit a rough patch at the worst possible time, dropping back-to-back home games, including a disappointing loss to the bottom-placed Taipans. Their recent form raises concerns, particularly with defensive lapses proving costly. Despite boasting one of the league’s best offensive weapons, Perth will need to tighten up on both ends if they hope to bounce back. Given their struggles at RAC Arena lately, this matchup will test their ability to respond under pressure.
On the other hand, the Phoenix have been one of the league’s best teams over the past two months, winning eight of their last ten games and going 15-6 since parting ways with Mike Kelly after their disastrous 0-5 start. Their depth and balance on both ends give them an edge, particularly against a Perth side that has looked vulnerable. With multiple defensive options to throw at Bryce Cotton and a more well-rounded offensive unit, the Phoenix are well-positioned to cause an upset. At current odds, I think they shape as solid value to take the win.
Phoenix to Win
$2.55 (1 Unit)
New Zealand Breakers vs Cairns Taipans
Saturday 5:30pm AEDT (Feb 1), Spark Arena
The New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans face off in a rare dead rubber in the NBL25 season, with both teams out of finals contention but eager to end the season on a high. The Breakers sit second-last on the ladder at 9-18, while the Taipans prop up the standings at 7-19. New Zealand’s campaign has unravelled spectacularly, winning just two of their last 17 games after a promising 7-3 start. Meanwhile, Cairns enter this contest in their best form of the season, winning two straight and three of their last four.
The Breakers’ struggles have only been compounded by the loss of Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who has been ruled out for the final two rounds with a rib injury. His absence leaves a significant gap in their playmaking and scoring, something they’ll need to compensate for to break out of their slump. Despite their poor form, the Breakers have enjoyed success against the Taipans this season, winning both previous meetings. However, replicating those results without their best player will be a challenge, especially given their current momentum.
Cairns, on the other hand, have found some rhythm late in the season and will be buoyed by the return of Taran Armstrong, who has missed the last two games. With confidence growing and their recent form peaking at the right time, the Taipans look well-positioned to finally get one over the Breakers. Expect Cairns to continue their resurgence and claim a morale-boosting victory in this late-season battle.
Taipans to Win
$1.80 (1.5 Units)
Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Saturday 8:00pm AEDT (Feb 1), John Cain Arena
Melbourne United face the Tasmania JackJumpers in a crucial matchup with major playoff implications. United sit second on the ladder at 17-10 and are in prime position to secure a top-two finish, which guarantees direct qualification to the semi-finals. They have been in strong form, winning five of their last seven games and building momentum at the right time. The JackJumpers, on the other hand, are clinging to slim finals hopes at 12-15, with their chances kept alive by Brisbane’s shock win over Adelaide. However, their poor percentage makes jumping into sixth place an uphill battle.
Tasmania’s recent form has been a major concern, losing five straight and seven of their last eight. Injuries have been a big factor in their struggles, with Will Magnay and Sean Macdonald still sidelined. However, the return of Majok Deng provides a much-needed scoring boost. Despite their overall struggles, the JackJumpers have had success against United this season, winning two of their three meetings. That history, along with their desperation to keep their season alive, could make them a dangerous opponent.
United, however, have been far more consistent and will be eager to continue their push for a top-two finish. With home-court advantage and a deeper, healthier squad, they have the upper hand, but this game may be closer than expected. The JackJumpers have matched up well against United this season and, despite their poor form, should come in with a nothing-to-lose mentality. Their desperation to stay in the finals race could see them push United all the way, and while an upset remains unlikely, they are a good chance to cover the +11.5 point spread.
JackJumpers +11.5
$1.96 (1 Unit)
Sydney Kings vs Perth Wildcats
Sunday 2:30pm AEDT (Feb 2), Qudos Bank Arena
The Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats face off in a crucial matchup with significant playoff seeding implications, as there is a major difference between finishing second, third, fourth, or fifth. Both teams hold a 16-11 record, with the Kings currently sitting third and the Wildcats in fourth. They have split their two meetings this season, with both games going down to the wire. Sydney is coming off a loss to the 36ers but has been in strong form overall, winning five of their last seven. Meanwhile, Perth barely escaped with a one-point win over the Phoenix, coming from behind in the fourth quarter to snap a two-game losing streak.
Sydney has the edge on both ends of the floor, boasting the best statistical defence in the league while also being one of the most potent offensive teams. Their offensive firepower is a key advantage, particularly with home court on their side. Jaylen Adams, a former MVP, leads the Kings from the point guard position, giving them a dynamic playmaker in key moments. On the other side, reigning MVP Bryce Cotton will look to carry Perth, as he has done so often in high-stakes games.
Given Sydney’s overall consistency, superior defensive metrics, and the advantage of playing at home, they are well-positioned to secure a victory in this high-stakes contest. While Perth has shown resilience, the Kings’ combination of firepower and defensive strength should be enough to get them over the line.
Kings -3.5
$1.91 (2 Units)
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers
Sunday 4:30pm AEDT (Feb 2), John Cain Arena
The South East Melbourne Phoenix and Adelaide 36ers close out Round 19 in a crucial matchup with major playoff implications. The Phoenix, currently 5th with a 15-12 record, are aiming to finish as high as possible in the top six, while the 36ers, sitting 6th at 13-14, can officially lock in a finals spot with a win. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses, with the Phoenix suffering a heartbreaking one-point defeat in Perth, ending their hopes of a top-two finish. However, they can still push for third. Meanwhile, Adelaide suffered one of the season’s biggest upsets, falling to an undermanned Bullets side in a game they were expected to win.
These sides have split their two meetings this season, each defending their home court. South East Melbourne dominated their most recent clash, winning by 20 points. Defence remains the key advantage for the Phoenix, as they have been a more reliable team on that end across the season. Adelaide will look to bounce back, but Kendric Davis’ inefficient performance against Brisbane was costly, and uncertainty surrounding his future adds another layer of intrigue. Despite his strong season, speculation about potential NBA interest and cryptic social media posts have created a distraction ahead of this vital contest.
With home court and a more consistent defensive structure, the Phoenix hold the upper hand in this matchup. Adelaide has been too unreliable from game to game, and South East Melbourne’s ability to control tempo and get stops should be enough to see them claim the win
Phoenix -3.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
