NBL Tips and Predictions – Round 6 2026

The Tasmania JackJumpers are still the team to catch on the NBL ladder.

They split a home double last week, falling 94-88 to Adelaide before bouncing back to beat the Breakers 98-92. At 5-2, they stay on top.

Sydney (4-2) sit right behind them with the league's best percentage, after thumping Perth 102-81 a few nights after a 102-101 loss to New Zealand in Canberra.

Behind them, it's a logjam. NZ, Adelaide and Cairns are all 4-4, and Brisbane are 3-3.

Then there's Melbourne United, who are somehow 0-3 at John Cain Arena and 3-1 everywhere else. If you could get a refund on home-court advantage, they'd be first in the queue.

Seven games, four teams playing twice and the champs' first real road trip of the season. Who handles it best?

For the latest NBL news, analysis, and odds, check out our expert NBL Round 6 tips and predictions below.

Tasmania JackJumpers vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction

Wednesday, October 21, 7:30pm AEDT – MyState Bank Arena

NBL Round 6 tips off in Hobart, and the ladder leaders are back at home.

Taran Armstrong put up a career-high 32 points against the Breakers on Sunday. That was the response Scott Roth needed after Bryce Cotton scored eight points in the last two minutes to steal Friday's game.

Brisbane snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the Phoenix 115-105. Max Mackinnon led the way with 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

That win came at a cost, though. Tyrell Harrison and Jacob Holt both rolled their left ankles within 80 seconds of each other late in the game. Arnas Velicka (lower limb) also isn't expected back until Round 11 or 12.

The Bullets are 0-2 on the road, and this is the first game of a road double. We're backing the JackJumpers at home.

Betting tip: Tasmania JackJumpers.

Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings Prediction

Thursday, October 22, 7:30pm AEDT – WIN Entertainment Centre

All six of Sydney's games so far have counted as home games, including the Canberra fixture. That changes in Wollongong.

The Kings looked very good against Perth. Torrey Craig had 26 points and 12 rebounds, and the 21-point margin ended the Wildcats' four-game winning streak.

The Hawks finally have something to smile about. Makur Maker scored 23 points and hit the go-ahead three with a minute left to beat United 91-89 and snap a three-game losing run.

They let a 16-point lead slip in that one before getting home, and at 2-6 they're still last on the ladder.

The derby will lift the Hawks, but Sydney are just too deep for our liking. 

Betting tip: Sydney Kings.

Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United Prediction

Friday, October 23, 9:30pm AEDT – RAC Arena

Perth's first road trip didn't go to plan. The 21-point loss in Sydney left them 4-2 and 0-1 away from home.

Now they're back at RAC Arena, where they're 4-1 this season.

United have the strangest form line in the league. They're 3-4 overall, but three of those four losses have come at home. On the road, they're 3-1.

Cole Anthony had 24 points against Illawarra on Sunday, but United still lost on their home floor.

Perth are still waiting on Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (calf), while United are without Chris Goulding (calf) until Round 7.

United's road form makes this closer than it looks, but Perth at home is a tough ask for anyone. We'll take the Wildcats.

Betting tip: Perth Wildcats.

Illawarra Hawks vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction

Saturday, October 24, 5:30pm AEDT – WIN Entertainment Centre

It's the second game of a double for both sides. Brisbane get an extra day off after Wednesday in Hobart, but they have to travel. The Hawks stay home after Thursday's derby.

Brisbane's big men are the story here. If Harrison and Holt aren't right, the Bullets will be very thin inside.

Illawarra have leaked points all season, conceding 845, the most in the league. The Bullets put 115 on the Phoenix last week.

It's a close one, but we think the home side can back up their win over United. We fancy the Hawks.

Betting tip: Illawarra Hawks.

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction

Saturday, October 24, 7:30pm AEDT – John Cain Arena

The Phoenix followed a 10-point loss in Brisbane with a 115-83 hammering of Cairns two nights later. Nathan Sobey had 29 points.

Which Phoenix will turn up? They're 3-5 and 2-2 at home, so it's been hard to tell.

Adelaide arrive on a two-game winning streak and are 3-2 on the road. Cotton dropped 35 in Hobart, and when he gets going late, there isn't much you can do about it.

The Sixers have now won in Sydney and Tasmania, two of the toughest trips in the league. We're backing Adelaide.

Betting tip: Adelaide 36ers.

Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers Prediction

Sunday, October 25, 3:00pm AEDT – Cairns Convention Centre

The Taipans are 2-0 at home this season, and they'll want to forget their last outing, a 115-83 loss to the Phoenix.

The Breakers are 4-4 but just 2-4 away from home, and Parker Jackson-Cartwright (lower leg) remains on the injury list.

Sam Mennenga has been carrying them. He scored 36 points against Tasmania, after 27 points and 13 rebounds in the win over Sydney.

Both teams have had a week off. With the home record in their favour, we'll take the Snakes.

Betting tip: Cairns Taipans.

Melbourne United vs Sydney Kings Prediction

Sunday, October 25, 5:00pm AEDT – John Cain Arena

The biggest game of NBL Round 6 closes out proceedings for this week. 

United fly home from Perth after a Friday night game, and they still haven't won at John Cain Arena this season. Can they finally get it done in front of their own fans?

The Kings have the easier week, with a short trip to Wollongong on Thursday before heading south.

Sydney's percentage (113.27) is the best in the league by a long way, and Craig has averaged 27 points across his last two games.

Until United win at home, we're not tipping them to. We like the Kings to finish the week 2-0.

Betting tip: Sydney Kings.

*Odds are subject to change.