Round 13 in NBL25 continues on Monday night with an Open Air Game at John Cain Arena, as Melbourne United play host to the Tasmania JackJumpers in another Grand Final rematch from a season ago. It’ll be a great atmosphere and even better viewing, and we have you covered with a full betting preview for the clash below!
Also, we’re providing previews and expert betting tips for every game of the NBL25 season, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
NBL25 Round 13 Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Monday 7:30pm AEDT (Dec 23), John Cain Arena
Melbourne United are going through their first dip in form for the season as they come into Round 13 on a three-game losing streak. Prior to this losing run United had not lost consecutive games all season, although they still remain in second spot on the ladder and will remain there despite the outcome of Monday night’s game.
The defensive end of the floor is where United have run into some major issues over the past two rounds. They’ve given up 122, 106, and 109 points in their last three outings, whereas they had only conceded 100+ points three times from their first 16 games of the season.
The good news for United is they’ll get some key troops back from injury in Round 13. Chris Goulding returns from a calf issue he picked up against the Kings in Round 10, while Marcus Lee will also be suiting up after missing both of their Round 12 games due to a back complaint.
In stark contrast, the Tasmania JackJumpers are currently in season-best form thanks to wins in each of their last five games. It’s been an impressive turnaround since beginning their championship defence at 3-8, and a win on Monday night will see them leap into fourth spot on the ladder.
The JackJumpers’ offence has been far, far better since the return of sharpshooter Sean Macdonald. The JackJumpers have put up 90+ points in three of their past four games, whereas they had failed to reach 90 points in any of their first 12 games of the season.
The horror news coming out of the JackJumpers camp in recent days is the severe injury to Will Magnay. The elite defensive big man suffered a fractured toe in training and is set to miss the next 6-8 weeks. The other change for the JackJumpers comes in the form of an import swap; Craig Sword was released during the week and forward Ian Hummer has been signed.
Game Prediction: United are on a 3L streak and the JackJumpers a 5W streak, but it is United who will start this game as the clear favourites for a couple of reasons. For one, they’re on their home deck and two, Goulding and Lee are back in action. Finally, it’s the absence of Magnay which is a dagger for the JackJumpers.
However, it’s the total points line which has my interest in this one. In the last four games between these clubs, we’ve seen totals of 153, 167, 164, and 174. The other factor here is this is an Open Air game and the weather forecast in Melbourne isn’t great, with high winds on the cards. It remains to be seen what will be done about this and we’ll learn more closer to tip-off, but in totality, taking the unders is the sensible play here.
Under 180.5 Points
$1.95 (1.5 Units)
