NBL Tips and Predictions - Round 9 2026

Close to the halfway point in the competition, the cream is starting to rise to the top in NBL Season 2026.  

The Sydney Kings and Tasmania JackJumpers are locked together at 8-3, after the Kings came from 21 points down to beat the SEM Phoenix 110-99 on Sunday.

Melbourne United have won four straight, the latest being a 120-92 belting of Brisbane. Perth have gone the other way, losing four on the trot after Sunday's 100-92 home loss to Cairns.

This is the closest comp in recent memory, with just four wins the difference between first and last – but still, SEM Phoenix, New Zealand Breakers and Illawarra Hawks will need to rally soon if they’re to have any hope of making the NBL finals in 2026.

Let's find out who's going to bring home the bag in Round 9. For the latest NBL news, analysis, and odds, check out our expert NBL Round 9 tips and predictions below.

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction

Wednesday, November 11, 7:30pm AEDT – State Basketball Centre

The Phoenix hit 8-of-15 from three in the first quarter in Sydney on Sunday, then the wheels fell off.

Illawarra copped a 106-78 hiding in Adelaide, although Will Hickey is free to play after taking an early guilty plea and a fine on his striking charge.

We'll take the Phoenix at home in this Ignite Cup clash.

Betting tip: South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Adelaide 36ers vs Melbourne United Prediction

Thursday, November 12, 7:30pm AEDT – Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Zylan Cheatham posted the first triple-double of the season against the Hawks, with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. But United are third at 7-5 and have won four on the bounce.

We're backing them to make it five against the 36ers.

Betting tip: Melbourne United.

Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction

Thursday, November 12, 9:30pm AEDT – RAC Arena

Perth have lost four in a row and were without Brandon Knight for Sunday's loss to Cairns. Now the ladder leaders come to town. We’re tipping Will Magnay and the JackJumpers to get the win here.

Betting tip: Tasmania JackJumpers.

New Zealand Breakers vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction

Friday, November 13, 5:30pm AEDT – Spark Arena

The Breakers have been dealt a massive blow, with star point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright ruled out for the season with a stress fracture in his tibia.

Brisbane are 6-6 and coming off a 28-point loss in Melbourne, but they're in far better shape. We'll take the Bullets.

Betting tip: Brisbane Bullets.

Cairns Taipans vs Sydney Kings Prediction

Friday, November 13, 7:30pm AEDT – Cairns Convention Centre

Jack McVeigh dropped 36 points, including eight threes, in the win in Perth that lifted Cairns to 7-6. The Kings have an answer in the infinitely talented Kendric Davis, who had 28 points and nine assists against the Phoenix.

We're sticking with the ladder leaders.

Betting tip: Sydney Kings.

Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Prediction

Saturday, November 14, 7:30pm AEDT – John Cain Arena

It's a Melbourne derby, and both sides are on their second game of the round. Cole Anthony went 13-from-14 from the field against Brisbane as United put 120 on the board. We reckon they’ll have too much.

Betting tip: Melbourne United.

Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction

Saturday, November 14, 9:30pm AEDT – RAC Arena

Perth stay home for both of their Round 9 games, while the Hawks fly from Melbourne to Perth on a short turnaround.

It's a brave call given the Wildcats' form, but we'll take them to snap the streak against the competition’s cellar dwellers.

Betting tip: Perth Wildcats.

Sydney Kings vs New Zealand Breakers Prediction

Sunday, November 15, 3:00pm AEDT – Afterpay Arena

The Kings are back at Afterpay Arena after their trip to Cairns, while the Breakers back up from Friday night in Auckland without Jackson-Cartwright.

We're backing the Kings to win as the Breakers continue a disappointing season.

Betting tip: Sydney Kings.

Brisbane Bullets vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction

Sunday, November 15, 5:00pm AEDT – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

NBL Round 9 wraps up in Brisbane, with both sides on their second game of the week. Tasmania fly in from Perth and the Bullets are back from Auckland.

Can Brisbane knock off a ladder leader?

Highly doubtful, the JackJumpers should be all over them in Brissy.

Betting tip: Tasmania JackJumpers.

Odds are subject to change.*