<p>All eyes are on WA as basketball fans across the country descend on Perth’s RAC Arena for the highly anticipated HoopsFest 2026.</p> <p>HoopsFest is shaping up to be an epic weekend, celebrating all things Aussie basketball as all <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-wnbl">WNBL</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl">NBL games in round 17</a> are played at the Wildcats’ home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>And with just six regular season rounds left in the NBL season, the pressure will be on underperforming teams to keep their season alive.</p> <p>Will your team sink or swim at the RAC Arena? Let’s find out!</p> <p>For the latest NBL news, analysis and odds, check out Sportsbet’s NBL Round 17 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Kings vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, January 15, 9:30pm AEDT – RAC Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>NBL Round 17 opens with the Sydney Kings facing the struggling Brisbane Bullets on Thursday night.</p> <p>The Bullets enter RAC Arena amid a disastrous 25/26 campaign, plagued by injury and anchored to the bottom of the ladder. The Bullets season has been defined by a lack of defensive identity, which the Kings are likely to expose.</p> <p>Sydney are without veteran captain Matthew Dellavedova after he sustained a concussion in their round 16 win against United.</p> <p>Despite this setback, the Kings will be confident about bringing home a HoopsFest W as they begin their run towards the playoffs.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl">Sydney Kings</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, January 16, 9:30pm AEDT – RAC Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Wildcats will be looking to put in a show in front of their home fans in this clash with last season’s champions.</p> <p>The underperforming Hawks will be desperate to turn their season around as they get closer to slipping out of playoff contention.</p> <p>If Perth can replicate their defensive intensity from Round 16 and stay connected on the perimeter, they should have too much firepower for the visitors. Look for the Wildcats to leverage the home court energy and secure a pivotal win to keep their spot in the top half of the ladder.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl">Perth Wildcats</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, January 17, 7:00pm AEDT – RAC Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Saturday’s proceedings tip off with a trans-Tasman clash as the New Zealand Breakers take on the Cairns Taipans.</p> <p>These two last faced-off in round 13, when Jack McVeigh lit-up the Ignite Cup, dropping 47 points in a franchise record-breaking performance.</p> <p>Since then, the Breakers have built their season on defensive discipline, and the Taipans have won just 2 in their last 6 games.</p> <p>If the Breakers defence can limit McVeigh’s involvement, they’ll be well placed to secure a vital win.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl">New Zealand Breakers</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction</h2> <p><strong><em>Saturday, January 17, 9:30pm AEDT – RAC Arena</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The JackJumpers will take on United in a competitive clash to close out Saturday night’s action.</p> <p>The JackJumpers are riding high after a statement win over league leaders Adelaide, where they shut down the league’s top scorers with an impressive defensive performance.</p> <p>United will be hoping Milton Doyle can heat up early against his former club and force Tasmania into a points shootout. Although, the JackJumpers have proved that they have the mindset to knock off anyone in the NBL.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl">Tasmania JackJumpers</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide 36ers vs SEM Phoenix Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, January 18, 2:30pm AEDT – RAC Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>HoopsFest 2026 concludes with a heavyweight showdown as the league leading 36ers take on the second placed SEM Phoenix.</p> <p>The 36ers will have a point to prove after dropping their last game and the untouchable Bryce Cotton is on the hunt for a 6th MVP award.</p> <p>But a formidable SEM Phoenix stand in their way, and with Nathan Sobey in career best form, we should be set for the match of the round.</p> <p>The Phoenix also boasts the league’s best offense which they’ll need to be humming against the powerhouse defence of the 36ers.</p> <p>While the Phoenix are dangerous, Adelaide’s consistency and the ‘Cotton’ factor make them likely to get the W in this blockbuster clash.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl">Adelaide 36ers</a></p>