With the NBA stealing most of the headlines as always around this time of year, it’s sometimes easy to forget that our homegrown heroes can also ball out.
Australia’s very own NBL is full of exciting young talent looking to take the next step in their basketball careers.
It is also a tightly contested league making it extremely intriguing from a punting perspective.
Yes, Melbourne United may be out in front at the moment, but there is a log jam behind them with three sides all on nine wins for the season.
Need help trying to pick what will transpire in round 12? Check out our NBL tips and prediction below for the latest NBL news, analysis and betting tips.
New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings Prediction
Friday, December 22, 5:30pm AEDT – Spark Arena
After a convincing win over the Taipans last week the Breakers will be looking to mount a second half of the season charge and move up the ladder.
Coming up against second placed Sydney this week could halt that charge before it ever really gets going though.
Tip: Sydney Kings.
Cairns Taipans vs SEM Phoenix Prediction
Friday, December 22, 7:30pm AEDT – Cairns Convention Centre
Cairns bounced back from their loss to New Zealand two days later with a thrilling one-point victory over Queensland rivals Brisbane.
Tahjere McCall top scored in that one and if he’s on song again, he should be able to help the Taipans put away the Phoenix at home.
Tip: Cairns Taipans.
Illawarra Hawks vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction
Saturday, December 23, 5:30pm AEDT – WIN Sports & Entertainment Centre
The Hawks are another team looking to build some late season momentum. They’ve won two on the fly, while their fourth placed opponents the JackJumpers have done the opposite.
Look to both sides to complete their respective hat-tricks in this one.
Tip: Illawarra Hawks.
Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats Prediction
Saturday, December 23, 8:00pm AEDT – John Cain Arena
The all-conquering Melbourne United will face one of their biggest title threats this weekend in the form of the Perth Wildcats.
The Cats are sitting pretty in third and waiting to pounce, but Melbourne are favourites for this season’s NBL crown for a reason.
Tip: Melbourne United.
Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction
Sunday, December 24, 2:00pm AEDT – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
How will Brissy boys the Bullets respond to the one-point heartbreak they suffered against Cairns?
It’ll take some effort to pick themselves up, but last placed Adelaide are the perfect opponents to get back into the swing of things against.
Tip: Brisbane Bullets.
Tasmania JackJumpers vs SEM Phoenix Prediction
Monday, December 25, 5:30pm AEDT – MyState Bank Arena
A Christmas day contest to tune into after the prawns and nan’s potato salad have long been polished off.
Which of these two teams will be getting a brand-new Xbox and which will be getting a lump of coal?
These sides played out an absolute thriller back in round three, with the Phoenix prevailing by a single point. This time we think it’s Tassie’s turn.
Tip: Tasmanian Jumping Jacks.
Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction
Monday, December 25, 7:30pm AEDT – Qudos Bank Arena
Another Christmas cracker to tear into, the Kings host the Hawks as they continue to try and keep the heat on Melbourne United at the top of the table.
They’ll need as many wins as they can muster if they want any hope of catching United before season’s end, starting here.
Tip: Sydney Kings.
Cairns Taipans vs Perth Wildcats Prediction
Tuesday, December 26, 7:30pm AEDT – Cairns Convention Centre
A boxing day battle awaits for both the Taipans and the Wildcats. It’s one hell of a road trip for Perth, one that could very well be their undoing against a Cairns side who get the luxury of back-to-back home games.
Tip: Cairns Taipans.
Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand Breakers Prediction
Wednesday, December 27, 7:30pm AEDT – Nissan Arena
Rounding out this festive feast of NBL are the Bullets and Breakers. Both are running out of time to get wins on the board and make the top 6.
With home ground advantage on their side and better recent head-to-head record, we’re backing the Bullets to fire the final shot in this one.
Tip: Brisbane Bullets.