<p>The NBL playoffs picture has become a lot clearer as we enter the penultimate round of the competition.</p>
<p>Melbourne United all but secured top spot and the minor premiership last week after a month of inconsistent displays.</p>
<p>Their win and Perth’s loss effectively ends the race for first, but the other places in the top six are still up for grabs.</p>
<p>To find out who will potentially take another step towards locking in a finals berth this week, check out our NBL tips and predictions for round 19 below.</p>
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<h2>New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction</h2>
<p><em><strong>Friday, February 9, 5:30pm AEDT – Spark Arena</strong></em></p>
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<p>Round 19 of the NBL kicks off with the New Zealand Breakers welcoming the Illawarra Hawks across the ditch.</p>
<p>The Breakers upset over the high-flying Wildcats has kept their playoffs dream alive, while the Hawks have used their games in hand to soar into fourth.</p>
<p>Both sides are in good form heading into this one, but after beating Perth on the road, it’s nearly impossible not to back New Zealand at home here.</p>
<p><strong>Tip: </strong>New Zealand Breakers.</p>
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<h2>Brisbane Bullets vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction</h2>
<p><em><strong>Friday, February 9, 7:30pm AEDT – Nissan Arena</strong></em></p>
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<p>With the Breakers hot on their tail and with games in hand, the Bullets know they cannot afford to slip up from here on out if they want to be taking part in this season’s finals series.</p>
<p>This game against strugglers Adelaide should ensure that they maintain the buffer between themselves and the seventh placed Breakers, however.</p>
<p><strong>Tip: </strong>Brisbane Bullets.</p>
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<h2>SEM Phoenix vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction</h2>
<p><em><strong>Saturday, February 10, 5:30pm AEDT – John Cain Arena</strong></em></p>
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<p>Speaking of struggling teams, the SEM Phoenix are in action against finals-bound Tasmania JackJumpers on Saturday afternoon.</p>
<p>The Phoenix's race was run long ago, and they shouldn’t offer much resistance here as Tassie look to secure their place in the top four.</p>
<p><strong>Tip:</strong> Tasmania JackJumpers.</p>
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<h2>Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans Prediction</h2>
<p><em><strong>Saturday, February 10, 8:00pm AEDT – RAC Arena</strong></em></p>
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<p>A shock slip up to the Breakers last week effectively ended Perth’s minor premiership hopes.</p>
<p>They’re still sitting pretty in second place where they should stay until season’s end. For their opponents this week, the Taipans, a loss here spells the end of their season.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for them, we are predicting the Wildcats to be the ones to land the coup de grace that sees Cairns exit the playoffs picture.</p>
<p><strong>Tip: </strong>Cairns Taipans.</p>
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<h2>Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers Prediction</h2>
<p><em><strong>Sunday, February 11, 2:00pm AEDT – John Cain Arena</strong></em></p>
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<p>After effectively securing the minor premiership last week in the Melbourne derby, United will have been restored with the confidence that they can go on and win the whole thing.</p>
<p>They’ve been the team to beat all season and are still our favourites to take out the playoffs and the NBL title, as well as winning this game here.</p>
<p><strong>Tip:</strong> Melbourne United.</p>
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<h2>Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction</h2>
<p><em><strong>Sunday, February 11, 4:00pm AEDT – Qudos Bank Arena</strong></em></p>
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<p>The final game of NBL round 19 sees the Sydney Kings welcome the Illawarra Hawks to Qudos Bank Arena.</p>
<p>The Hawks have leapfrogged the Kings into fourth place on the ladder and if Sydney want it back, they’ll have to win here.</p>
<p>Illawarra have two games in hand on their NSW rivals, so if Sydney want any hope of finishing in the top four, they cannot lose this game.</p>
<p>We think they’ll ensure the race for the top four remains interesting for at least another week with a hard-fought victory in front of their home fans.</p>
<p><strong>Tip:</strong> Sydney Kings.</p>
<h2>NBL Championship 2023-24 Odds</h2>
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