<p>The NBL is back and about to tip off for another exciting season!</p> <p>The rosters are stacked with elite Aussie talent, NBA returnees, and high-impact imports, setting the stage for what promises to be a huge year for hoops Down Under.</p> <p>While some of Australia’s biggest basketball names have returned down under for NBL26, no move was bigger than NBL GOAT Bryce Cotton’s shock defection from the Perth Wildcats to the Adelaide 36ers. Arguably the biggest transfer in league history.</p> <p>The defending champions, the Illawarra Hawks, have reloaded with smart acquisitions as they prepare to defend their crown. But who can challenge them? Who’s primed to rise up the ladder? And who’s set to slide?</p> <p>Who will get off to the perfect start? For the latest NBL news, analysis, and odds, check out Sportsbet’s NBL round 1 tips and predictions below.&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Tasmania JackJumpers vs Melbourne United Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, September 18, 2025, 7:30 PM AEST - MyState Bana Arena, Hobart</strong></em><br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>The season tips off on the Apple Isle as the Jackies host Melbourne United in a blockbuster opener.&nbsp;</p> <p>Melbourne, last season’s Grand Final runners-up, will be determined to start strong, but they'll have to do it in front of a loud, parochial Tassie crowd.</p> <p>All eyes will be on Milton Doyle, the JackJumpers' former franchise star, as he returns to MyState Bank Arena in United colours for the first time. Expect a spicy atmosphere.</p> <p>United has bolstered its depth and defensive size. If they can control the boards and set the tempo, they’ll find value here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/tasmania-jackjumpers-v-melbourne-united-9605268">Melbourne United</a></p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>New Zealand Breakers vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, September 19, 2025, 5:30 PM AEST - Spark Arena, Auckland</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Brisbane enters NBL26 with a new coach and several big-name recruits — but the question remains: how quickly can this new-look side gel?</p> <p>A tough assignment awaits in Round 1 — a trip across the ditch to face a Breakers side that was tough to beat at home last season.</p> <p>Continuity may prove crucial early in the year, and the Breakers have that edge.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/new-zealand-breakers-at-brisbane-bullets-9605463">NZ Breakers</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>S E Melbourne Phoenix vs Cairns Taipans Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 20, 2025, 5:30 PM AEST - John Cain Arena, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jack McVeigh is back in the NBL and steps into a leadership role as the Taipans’ marquee signing.</p> <p>He returns to John Cain Arena — a floor he knows well. The last time he was there he was cutting down the net as a championship winner.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now in orange, he’s out to bring success back to Far North Queensland.</p> <p>But the Phoenix, always strong at home, will look to make a statement early. Their mix of returning stars and athletic imports gives them an edge on both ends.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/s-e-melbourne-phoenix-at-cairns-taipans-9605507">SE Melbourne Phoenix</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 20, 2025, 8:00 PM AEST - RAC Arena, Perth</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The more things change, the more they stay the same.</p> <p>Yes, the winds of change swept through as NBL GOAT Bryce Cotton exited the building, but… whisper it.. Are the Wildcats still the team to beat?</p> <p>They’re at home in front of the Red Army first up in 2025/26 and will either get an up and about JackJumpers side after an opening night win or a team staring down the barrel of a 0-2 start.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Perth Wildcats</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 21, 2025, 2:30 PM AEST - John Cain Arena, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Finishing it off back at a packed-out John Cain Arena for the second run-around of the weekend for both these teams.&nbsp;</p> <p>United will be favoured on the home court. It will be interesting to see how the earlier results play into this one and how both teams shape up. No one wants to start 0-2</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Melbourne United</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NBL 2025/26 Championship Odds:&nbsp;</h2>