<p>We’re into the swing of things now with a couple of completed rounds and all teams finally in consistent action.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As they usually are, Melbourne United have set the pace early. They remain perfect with a 7-0 record through the first five rounds and have already stamped themselves as title contenders.</p> <p>The 36ers got back on track thanks to a magical performance from their main man, Bryce Cotton, who dropped a half-century of points on the Taipans.</p> <p>His old side, the Wildcats, have hit the wall and are staring into the abyss heading into Round 6.</p> <p>Thankfully for them, they kick things off with a visit to the Taipans, opening another bumper round of NBL action.</p> <p>For the latest NBL news, analysis, and odds, check out Sportsbet’s NBL Round 6 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cairns Taipans vs Perth Wildcats Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 7:30 PM AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After being tormented by Bryce Cotton, the Taipans will be out for redemption and looking to bounce back quickly. That’s easier said than done when faced with the Wildcats.&nbsp;</p> <p>Traditionally, a tough opponent, but these aren’t the Wildcats we’re used to. They’ve hit a wall and are still trying to figure things out without Cotton on their roster.</p> <p>Cairns have been gritty in their defeats, but the Wildcats should have enough to get over the line.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/cairns-taipans-v-perth-wildcats-9748714">Wildcats</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NZ Breakers vs Brisbane Bullets Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM AEDT - Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Breakers are home, but playing away from home.&nbsp;</p> <p>They don’t have the best track record playing at Eventfinda compared to their regular home court at Spark Arena, and it could open the door for the Bullets to fire another shot.&nbsp;</p> <p>Consistency has been tough for both these sides this season, but the Bullets' scoring talent, especially from Casey Prather and Jaylen Adams, should be enough to overcome the home side.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/new-zealand-breakers-v-brisbane-bullets-9748715">Bullets</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>SE Melbourne Phoenix vs Sydney Kings Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, October 23, 2025, 7:30 PM AEDT - John Cain Arena, Melbourne&nbsp;</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>These two have traded wins over their last five meetings, making this a tough one to call.</p> <p>However, there’s a renewed energy around the Phoenix, and that momentum has us leaning towards the home side.</p> <p>The Kings still have plenty of talent, but there are concerns. Kendric Davis and Xavier Cooks have both struggled, with Cooks in particular having a horror stretch at the free-throw line.</p> <p>Add to that Brian Goorjian’s ejection last round, and it’s clear all is not well in Sydney.</p> <p>If Phoenix gets off to a fast start, they’ll be hard to stop.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/basketball-aus-other/australian-nbl/s-e-melbourne-phoenix-v-sydney-kings-9748717">Phoenix</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cairns Taipans vs Melbourne United Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, October 24, 2025, 7:30 PM AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a quick backup for the Taipans.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lucky for them, they don’t have to travel. Unlucky for them, they host an undefeated Melbourne United..</p> <p>Melbourne has scoring threats all over the floor, and while many teams have struggled with perimeter shooting early this season, United appear to have cracked the code. They’re scoring with ease and look every bit the championship favourites.</p> <p>8-0 loading??</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> United</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Bullets vs SE Melbourne Phoenix Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 25, 2025, 5:30 PM AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Bullets need to travel to and from NZ within a few days, which could leave them vulnerable at home against a buoyant Phoenix side.&nbsp;</p> <p>The vibes are good in the South East at the moment. We’re keen to see how high the Phoenix can rise ahead of a Throwdown in a couple of weeks.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Phoenix</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 PM AEDT - RAC Arena</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It hasn’t been a happy start to the title defence for the Hawks.&nbsp;</p> <p>At 1-4 and heading to Perth, one of the most hostile arenas in the league, the Hawks are in for a challenge.</p> <p>That said, if there’s ever a time and place for a shock upset, this might be it. The Wildcats are far from the force they once were, and Illawarra desperately needs a circuit breaker.</p> <p>The champs have to respond soon, or they’ll be in danger of missing out on defending their crown altogether.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Hawks</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, October 26, 2025, 2:30 PM AEDT - John Cain Arena, Melbourne</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Game of the round between the competition pace setters and the team most likely to be their biggest challenger.&nbsp;</p> <p>Adelaide comes in fresh after a longer break, while this will be United’s second outing of the weekend—likely at 8-0 by tip-off.</p> <p>We’re still getting over Bryce Cotton’s 53-point explosion last round—an all-time performance from one of the league’s greatest. But he can’t do it all himself, especially against a well-rounded and ruthless Melbourne side.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> United</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, October 26, 2025, 4:30 PM AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It could be a tough old week for the Kings.&nbsp;</p> <p>While Tasmania sits just one spot above them on the ladder, their record on the road has been impressive. Three of their four wins have come away from the Apple Isle.</p> <p>They’ve been inconsistent at times, but the JackJumpers have shown enough to suggest they can cause problems for Sydney.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>JackJumpers</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NBL 2025/26 Championship Odds:&nbsp;</h2>