Round 18 in NBL25 is a little bit quieter with seven games scheduled across four days. The round kicks off on Thursday night with the Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks, and it concludes on Sunday with the usual double-header. Game of the round takes place in the second game on Friday night, with the Sydney Kings taking on the Adelaide 36ers.
We had another huge week with our tips in Round 17 where we went 8-2 for +8.68 units, which takes us to 79-53 and +31.42 units for the season. As always, we bring you our best bets for all Round 18 games below!
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NBL25 Round 18 Preview & Betting Tips
Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT (Jan 23), Cairns Convention Centre
New Zealand Breakers vs Brisbane Bullets
Friday 5:30pm AEDT (Jan 24), Wolfbrook Arena
The New Zealand Breakers take on the Brisbane Bullets at Wolfbrook Arena in a match between two teams playing for pride. The Breakers, sitting at 9-16 and second last on the ladder, will be looking to give their fans something to cheer about after a tough season. Meanwhile, the Bullets, at 10-15 and just one spot above, have little to play for other than breaking their losing streak.
The Breakers are back to full strength and have been competitive in recent games, showing signs of life despite their struggles this season. Playing at home, they’ll be eager to make the most of their opportunities against a Brisbane team that’s been struggling badly. With improved depth and confidence, the Breakers have a real chance to put on a show for their fans.
The Bullets come into this one on a four-game skid, losing all those games by 19 points or more. Their defence has been non-existent lately, giving up 105+ points in each of those losses. To make things worse, Tyrell Harrison remains out, and the Bullets have six players sidelined with injuries. It’s hard to see how Brisbane can compete given their current form and lack of options.
This game feels like the Breakers’ to lose. With their roster at full strength and playing at home, they should be able to take care of business and finish strong, while Brisbane’s recent struggles are likely to continue. Expect the Breakers to win comfortably.
Breakers -5.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers
Friday 7:30pm AEDT (Jan 24), Qudos Bank Arena
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Saturday 5:30pm AEDT (Jan 25), State Basketball Centre
The South East Melbourne Phoenix enter this matchup sitting fifth on the ladder with a 14-11 record. Despite a disappointing 11-point loss to the Kings in their last outing, they remain in strong form, having won nine of their last 12 games. Impressively, under head coach Josh King, the Phoenix have yet to lose back-to-back games, showcasing their resilience. Their offensive efficiency, coupled with their depth, has been pivotal in their success, and they’ll look to utilise their home-court advantage to keep their momentum alive.
Meanwhile, the Tasmania JackJumpers’ season has taken a downward turn. With a 12-13 record, they now sit outside the top six following the 36ers' victory over the Kings on Friday night. Injuries have hampered their campaign, with key players Will Magnay and Sean Macdonald sidelined. The JackJumpers have lost five of their last six games, struggling to find consistency on both ends of the floor. Their defence, usually a strength, has faltered in recent weeks, and offensive struggles have compounded their issues.
Considering the Phoenix's superior recent form, the JackJumpers’ injury concerns, and the Phoenix’s home-court advantage, South East Melbourne are well-positioned to secure a convincing victory. While the JackJumpers will undoubtedly put up a fight to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Phoenix’s stability and depth should allow them to dictate the pace and control the game. Expect the home side to come away with a comfortable win in this crucial matchup.
Phoenix -6.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans
Saturday 8:00pm AEDT (Jan 25), RAC Arena
The Perth Wildcats (15-10) will look to rebound after a loss to Melbourne United that cost them second spot on the ladder. Now sitting in third, the Wildcats remain in strong form, winning five of their last six games. Bryce Cotton, averaging 27 points per game this season, will be aiming to bounce back after being well-contained against United, where he scored just 14 points. Dylan Windler remains out with injury, but the Wildcats’ depth and recent consistency make them heavy favourites heading into this clash.
The Cairns Taipans, sitting at the bottom of the ladder with a 6-19 record, are coming off a gutsy win over the Hawks. However, they nearly let the game slip late, highlighting their struggles to close out games. Despite a difficult season, they’ve managed three wins in their last six outings, showing glimpses of resilience. Still, injuries remain a concern, with Taran Armstrong absent for this matchup after missing their previous game.
With the Taipans enduring a tough season and missing key players, the Wildcats should control this contest comfortably. Perth’s firepower and motivation to strengthen their position near the top of the ladder should see them capitalise on the Taipans’ struggles and secure a convincing victory.
Wildcats -11.5
$1.85 (1 Unit)
Brisbane Bullets vs Melbourne United
Sunday 2:30pm AEDT (Jan 26), Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Brisbane will host Melbourne in a game that carries vastly different stakes for the two teams. The Bullets snapped a four-game losing streak with a six-point victory over the Breakers in their last outing. However, this win is just their second in the past nine games, a stretch that has effectively ended their playoff aspirations, though a mathematical chance remains. Brisbane will again be without key centre Tyrell Harrison, who is sidelined with concussion symptoms. Without him, the Bullets face a tough task on the boards and defensively against a disciplined Melbourne side.
Melbourne enters this clash in strong form, having claimed a vital road win over the Wildcats in their previous game. United have now won four of their last six away games, displaying consistency on the road. Sitting second on the ladder, Melbourne’s goal is clear: two wins from their final two games will secure a top-two finish and bypass the play-in tournament. Melbourne’s offensive depth and ability to execute under pressure will be critical, particularly with so much at stake in this match.
With United’s playoff position hanging in the balance, expect them to approach this contest with focus and intensity. Brisbane’s inconsistency and weakened roster, coupled with United’s firepower and urgency, tilt this matchup heavily in Melbourne’s favour. United’s depth and motivation to lock in a top-two finish should see them prevail comfortably against a struggling Brisbane side.
United -8.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Adelaide 36ers vs New Zealand Breakers
Sunday 4:30pm AEDT (Jan 26), Adelaide Entertainment Centre
