<p>It’s been a truncated start to the NBL season. With local European tournaments and the arrival of the New Orleans Pelicans for the NBLxNBA series, we’re yet to see a full round of NBL games this season.</p> <p>Yet, what we have been treated to in between all that,&nbsp; the action has been fierce. And, last round gave us no shortage of storylines to chew on.&nbsp;</p> <p>Bryce Cotton made quite the statement in his 36ers debut, dropping 39 points and immediately showing why he’s a game‑changer.&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, Jack McVeigh has drawn attention for the Taipans, doing a little bit of everything across their early wins and staking his claim in this high‑pay matchup era.&nbsp;</p> <p>The spotlight is also on the looming JaVale McGee vs. JLA battle — two contrasting styles in the paint that could define momentum this round.</p> <p>Add in the bounce-back expectation for Xavier Cooks to step up again, and the growing leadership role for Bryce Hamilton amid Tasmania’s injuries, and you’ve got plenty of intrigue heading into Round 3.</p> <p>For the latest NBL news, analysis, and odds, check out Sportsbet’s NBL round 3&nbsp;tips and predictions below.&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Cairns Taipans vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, October 2, 2025, 7:30 PM AEST - Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns</strong></em></p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>The Cotton era in the City of Churches is off and running!</p> <p>After working through the early court and synergy issues, they got the dub over the Bulletts and sent a clear message in the process.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Taipans have bounced back well after a rough opening game and have since notched impressive upset wins against both Brisbane and Sydney. While those victories came in tight contests, it’s questionable whether they can match Adelaide’s overall quality.</p> <p>Punters have largely backed the 36ers, and that market shift looks justified.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> 36ers</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Perth Wildcats vs Illawara Hawks Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, October 2, 2025, 9:30 PM AEST - RAC Arena, Perth</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Hawks didn’t get the start they were after, falling short against the JackJumpers at home. However, the reigning champs have a rebound performance in them.</p> <p>Despite the loss, it was hard to ignore the performance of JaVale McGee. The veteran import will have some big roles to play this season in settling things down on the court, especially in hostile environments away from home.&nbsp;</p> <p>Trips to Perth are never easy, but this Wildcats outfit looks vulnerable. If the Hawks can dominate on offence, they could get them here.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Hawks</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Kings vs NZ Breakers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 4, 2025, 5:30 PM AEST - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s been a rough start to the season for the Breakers, so far living up to their lowly pre-season expectations.&nbsp;</p> <p>Even when they looked poised for the win last week against Perth, they collapsed in the final quarter. A worrying sign ahead of their clash this week with the Kings, who are known for their defence and composure under pressure.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is the perfect opportunity for Xavier Cooks to lead from the front. Leading the stacked roster with Davis and Dellavedova should give you the edge over anyone.&nbsp;</p> <p>That gives them a clear edge here, thanks to their structure and depth. Throw in the Breakers' lack of backcourt power, and it’s hard to see them keeping pace.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/sydney-kings-v-new-zealand-breakers-9679826"> Kings</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Bullets vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 4, 2025, 8:00 PM AEST - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Jackies are on the march!</p> <p>Two wins from their opening three games, they’ve settled into some nice early-season form - despite some injury concerns to key players.&nbsp;</p> <p>But their form line suggests they should be able to handle the Bulletts here to keep a really good thing going.&nbsp;</p> <p>More responsibility falls on the shoulders of Bryce Hamilton to deliver, with David Johnson and Majok Deng both sidelined. The star import has shown through three games that he’s ready to do just that.</p> <p>Brisbane has shown promise, but their lack of depth is really shining through early with some early injuries. That could be well exposed again against a well-rounded Tassie side.&nbsp;</p> <p>We're expecting another composed performance from the visitors here.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/brisbane-bullets-v-tasmania-jackjumpers-9679854">JackJumpers</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NBL 2025/26 Championship Odds:&nbsp;</h2>