<p>We’re starting to settle into a groove now in NBL|26 as we get some full rounds of matches in.&nbsp;</p> <p>But the more things change, the more things stay the same.&nbsp;</p> <p>Melbourne United is still top of the pops with Chris Goulding in vintage shooting form. But ahead of this week of games, with two ‘easier’ matchups on the horizon, is it a weekend where they can take the foot off the gas a little bit? Or is it a banana peel weekend?</p> <p>Elsewhere, Bryce Cotton is looking to bounce back with a vengeance after the NBLGOAT was remarkably held to single digits against the Kings. That never happens! So look out for the bounceback!</p> <p>And, the spotlight is on the Wildcats as the powerhouse continues to stutter through the start of the season. Can their big-name import, Jo Lual-Acuil J,r deliver when they travel to face fellow powerhouse the Sydney Kings?&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest NBL news, analysis, and odds, check out Sportsbet’s NBL round 5 tips and predictions below.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Adelaide 36ers vs SE Melbourne Phoenix Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, October 16, 2025, 7:30 PM AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>They may be starting as outsiders, but there’s plenty to get excited about for the Phoenix here.&nbsp;</p> <p>2-1 to start the season, they have shown strong cohesion and improved defensive intensity, both of which were on full display as they took down the Breakers.&nbsp;</p> <p>Adelaide is 3-1, and coming off their first loss of the season. The blowout loss to the Kings sent alarm bells ringing as they struggled to generate offence and looked overwhelmed on the boards. Seeing MVP Bryce Cotton held to just single digits was a sight to behold, too. Rare as hen's teeth!</p> <p>The Phoenix have the wood over the 36ers with four wins from the past six matches against their Adelaide rivals. Maybe that’s why we think they are a chance.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/adelaide-36ers-v-s-e-melbourne-phoenix-9726005">Phoenix</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NZ Breakers vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, October 17, 2025, 5:30 PM AEDT - Spark Arena, Auckland</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Don’t let the 1-3 record fool you; these Breakers have shown signs of turning the corner. And, being on their home floor might spark them right into action.</p> <p>It appears that the main area that needs improvement is perimeter shooting. With a shooter like Parker Jackson-Cartwright capable of heating up quickly, the blueprint for a Breakers win is simple: Knock them down and let the Defence do enough.</p> <p>The JackJumpers sit 2-2 and have been far from convincing in the new campaign. While their defence is trademarkedly gritty, their offence has been clunky.</p> <p>The Breakers have a run of good form at home with five wins from their past seven matches at Spark Arena. If they all get going, the Jackies could be in for a rough night.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Breakers</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Bullets vs Melbourne United Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 17, 2025, 7:30 PM AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane&nbsp;</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Melbourne United are firing on all cylinders and look every bit the best team in the NBL so far this season. Their winning streak is poised to continue Friday night when they face the Brisbane Bullets.</p> <p>After a promising start, the Bullets have crashed back to earth, suffering four straight losses and losing all their momentum.</p> <p>Defensive lapses and inconsistent scoring have plagued them, making it tough for them to back them with any real confidence.&nbsp;</p> <p>It should be a nice road trip up north to the Sunshine State for the ladder leaders.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>United</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cairns Taipans vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 18, 2025, 5:30 PM AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a quick turnaround for the 36ers as they head way north to face the Taipans.</p> <p>They might have lost three on the bounce, but the Taipans' most recent showing in Perth last week shows that they’re not too far away from snapping the streak.&nbsp;</p> <p>If they bring a similar aggressive style against the 36ers, we could see an upset brewing here, especially with the added advantage of playing at home.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s shaping up to be a key theme of the round, all these upsets! A lot will be determined by how Adelaide steadies the ship earlier in the week.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> 36ers&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>SE Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 18, 2025, 8:00 PM AEDT - John Cain Arena, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s been a slow start for the defending champions, but they finally registered their first win of the season last week. And, with some key pieces starting to click, they’re in a strong position to build on that momentum here with a quick trip down to Melbourne.</p> <p>Tyler Harvey remains one of the NBL’s most dynamic scorers, capable of turning a game with a hot shooting stretch. But what really shifts the needle is the presence of JaVale McGee. The former NBA big man has added serious rim protection and interior presence, helping the Hawks shore up a defence that struggled early in the season.</p> <p>The Phoenix will be a challenge at home, but the Hawks’ mix of experience, defence and shot-making gives them the edge.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Hawks</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne United vs NZ Breakers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, October 19, 2025, 2:30 PM AEDT - John Cain Arena, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s shaping up as another successful weekend for United, and if their recent history against the Breakers is anything to go by, they could be in seven heaven when the final buzzer sounds.</p> <p>Can the Breakers keep up with United’s elite scoring prowess? If they can’t, they could get blown off the court nice and early in the opening half.</p> <p>We think it’s going to be one-way traffic at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> United</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Kings vs Perth Wildcats Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, October 19, 2025, 4:30 PM AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We’re back in Sydney to finish off this week's action, and it’s shaping up as an important weekend for the Sydney Kings.&nbsp;</p> <p>Coming up against the powerhouse Wildcats side (who are struggling to find consistency thus far in the new campaign), with both teams sitting mid-table, it looms as a game where one team could really set themselves to make a move, while the other is left behind.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The Wildcats usually travel well, but coming to Sydney to face a Kings side with a chip on its shoulder will be tough. Home court at Qudos Bank should help the Kings establish a big enough lead to hold off a late flurry.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>: Kings</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NBL 2025/26 Championship Odds:&nbsp;</h2>