<p>After a quick little break for a FIBA window, the NBL is set to spring back into action.</p> <p>At the nominal halfway point of the season, we have United breaking franchise records and, rather predictably, Cairns struggling again.</p> <p>However, the biggest story might be how the defending champions are letting it all slip away. It is a massive weekend for the Hawks with two games to come as they enter must-win territory.</p> <p>As we get closer to the road to the finals, results are becoming critical as we bounce into a big December and a new round of games.</p> <p>For the latest NBL news, analysis and odds, check out Sportsbet’s NBL Round Eleven tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NZ Breakers vs Sydney Kings Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 5:30 PM AEDT - Claudelands Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Kings' pre bye four-game winning run was halted by the JackJumpers in Tasmania. A bounce-back performance is on the cards with a trip across the ditch.</p> <p>The Breakers have rediscovered how to win again, with two victories in their past three, and they have been tough to shake on their home court. This time they are taking the trip down the motorway to Hamilton.</p> <p>The Kings should have too much scoring power and should get it done on the road to keep themselves in the title race.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/new-zealand-breakers-v-sydney-kings-9902770">Kings</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Illawarra Hawks vs SE Melbourne Phoenix Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, December 4, 2025, 7:30 PM AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The defending champs have not really gotten going this season, and they find themselves sliding again after three straight losses.</p> <p>The Phoenix had a golden opportunity to make a statement against a fellow contender last start, and they failed the test by going down to the 36ers at home.</p> <p>There will be value in the visitors on the spread as they have been the more consistent team of the two. The defending champs have been far from convincing this season.</p> <p>JaVale McGee is dominating the paint, but they need more from their guards. If the Nix can contain him, the Hawks might struggle to get going against a good defence.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/illawarra-hawks-v-s-e-melbourne-phoenix-9902790">Phoenix</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, December 4, 2025, 9:30 PM AEDT - Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The back-to-back losses feel like a distant memory for United, as they bounced back in style to record a franchise-best 13-2 record at the nominal halfway mark of the season.&nbsp;</p> <p>And after a freshen up, you’d think they’ll be right on to hit the second half of the season exactly how they started.</p> <p>The Wildcats at home always present a hostile challenge, but the form of Milton Doyle and Chris Goulding at the moment should be enough for United to secure yet another road W.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/perth-wildcats-v-melbourne-united-9902792">United</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, December 5, 2025, 7:30 PM AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Heath is your best player on any sports team, and right now, the Bullets have been hit with the injury bug.&nbsp;</p> <p>The 36ers need to keep winning to keep the pressure on league leaders United. And, if they can keep running up the clock and scoring points, it will help them with seedings come the back end.&nbsp;</p> <p>They should do this one comfortably, especially with boom recruit Bryce Cotton playing MVP-level basketball yet again.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/adelaide-36ers-v-brisbane-bullets-9902796">36ers</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NZ Breakers vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, December 6, 2025, 5:30 PM AEDT - Spark Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Are the Jackies on the march again?</p> <p>A big showing in Perth, despite falling short, followed by a convincing win over the Kings, has steadied the ship, and they look ready to pounce entering the second half of the season.</p> <p>It might have something to do with the return of both David Johnson and Will Magnay to the lineup. They are quality players and they help. With Anthony Drmic and Kobe Williamson also set to return soon, Tasmania could climb rapidly into contention.</p> <p>However, their bubble might be popped here by the Breakers, who will relish the familiar surroundings of Spark Arena. We are backing them to get a crucial win on the board.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Breakers</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Illawarra Hawks vs Cairns Taipans Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, December 6, 2025, 8:00 PM AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It is almost panic station for the defending champs, as noted earlier. Fortunately for them, they will not get many better chances to secure a win than hosting the struggling Taipans.</p> <p>It likely was not a relaxing break for the far north franchise as they review another season going wrong.</p> <p>It is an important week for the Hawks. Must-win games do not come much bigger than this.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>: Hawks</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>SE Melbourne Phoenix vs Melbourne United Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, December 7, 2025, 2:30 PM AEDT - John Cain Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The battle for supremacy in Melbourne is on once again.&nbsp;</p> <p>There’s no bigger motivation than a Throwdown, so it won’t deter both these clubs when they suit up for their second game of the weekend.</p> <p>With more scoring threats and better defence, they should be good here to keep their winning ways going.&nbsp;</p> <p>Put it all together, and it’s how they roll.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>United</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, December 7, 2025, 4:30 PM AEDT - RAC Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a spicy one to end off the round. We’re back out west for the Wildcats, hosting the red-hot 36ers and an old friend of theirs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Safe to say, the reception for one Bryce Cotton might be a little bit frosty? But the champion will let his basketball do the talking as he has done all year for his new side.&nbsp;</p> <p>Perth has done well thus far, but this game starts their tough run into the finals. Starting with the in-form 36ers here.</p> <p>Expect another big one from Big-Game Bryce.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>: 36ers</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>NBL 2025/26 Championship Odds:&nbsp;</h2>