<p>Who is ready to ball out in the new year? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one returning to work this week.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl">The NBL is still in full swing</a> and the best hoopers across Aus will be kitting up and looking to take care of business in round 16.</p> <p>Who has worked off the Christmas pudding and the New Year’s hangover best? Let’s find out!</p> <p>For the latest NBL news, analysis and odds, check out Sportsbet’s NBL Round 16 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Wednesday, January 7, 7:30pm AEDT – Red Energy Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>NBL Round 16 season tips off with Melbourne United facing the Cairns Taipans at Red Energy Arena.</p> <p>United comes into this Wednesday night fixture determined to protect their home court and their place in the top three.</p> <p>While the Taipans possess the athleticism to cause upsets, their consistency on the road remains a concern against the league's elite defensive units. Melbourne’s superior depth and structured offense should allow them to control the tempo and condemn last-placed Cairns to their 18th defeat of the season.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/melbourne-united-v-cairns-taipans-10009623">Melbourne United.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>SEM Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, January 8, 7:30pm AEDT – State Basketball Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Phoenix will look to continue their charge towards the NBL summit when they host the underachieving Hawks on Thursday night.</p> <p>The Hawks, once known for their grit and transition play, have faltered this season and currently sit in seventh.</p> <p>South East Melbourne typically plays with extra confidence on their home floor and if they can control the rebounding battle and limit second-chance points, they should have the edge to secure victory.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>SEM Phoenix.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>New Zealand Breakers vs Sydney Kings Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, January 9, 5:30pm AEDT – Spark Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Kings will look to bring their high-octane offense across the Tasman, when they visit the New Zealand Breakers in NBL Round 16.</p> <p>Sydney have the depth and talent to dismantle defensive setups and will look to push the pace early to silence the Auckland crowd.</p> <p>If the Kings find their rhythm in transition, they should have enough firepower to be crowned winners here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Sydney Kings.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide 36ers vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, January 9, 7:30pm AEDT – Adelaide Entertainment Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Friday night hoops sees runaway leaders Adelaide host the Tasmania JackJumpers. Adelaide will look to feed off their home crowd energy, but breaking down Tasmania's defensive structures requires patience and precision.</p> <p>The main question here is the same one that gets asked every time Adelaide takes the floor. Can anyone stop Bryce Cotton?</p> <p>Apparently not, the NBL GOAT joined from Perth in the offseason and instantly took the 36ers to the top of the pops.</p> <p>He’s currently leading both points and assists and is on track for a mind-blowing sixth MVP trophy. Sorry Tassie, all resistance is futile.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/adelaide-36ers-v-tasmania-jackjumpers-10009551">Adelaide 36ers.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>SEM Phoenix vs Perth Wildcats Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, January 10, 8:00pm AEDT – State Basketball Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Phoenix’s second home game of NBL round 16 and second in three days, sees them welcome the Wildcats to town.</p> <p>It’s hard to make a call here until the dust settles from SEM’s Thursday night battle with Illawarra, but with some extra lead in the legs, there could be some serious value to be had picking Perth on the road.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Perth Wildcats.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Illawarra Hawks vs New Zealand Breakers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, January 11, 2:30pm AEDT – WIN Entertainment Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Much like the Phoenix vs Wildcats game, this matchup between the Hawks and the Breakers hinges largely on what transpires earlier in round 16.</p> <p>Side by side in the standings, any edge could prove to be invaluable, and the Hawks get to nest at home here, while the travel could break New Zealand.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Illawarra Hawks.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Kings vs Melbourne United Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, January 11, 4:30pm AEDT – Qudos Bank Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>NBL Round 16 concludes with a massive showdown between the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena.</p> <p>This Sunday afternoon blockbuster pits two top four heavyweights against each other in what promises to be a physical contest.</p> <p>The Kings will look to leverage their home-court advantage and push the pace against United’s disciplined half-court defence. While Melbourne is always dangerous, Sydney’s depth and athleticism often prove difficult to contain on their own floor.</p> <p>If the Kings can control the boards and limit United’s perimeter shooting, they are well-positioned to claim victory in this high-stakes rivalry game.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Sydney Kings.&nbsp;</p>