NBL Round 18 Expert Tips & Predictions

The NBL tips off this week with Round 18 action, kicking off with United vs. Bullets on Wednesday.

We have NBL betting tips for every game in 2025/26, including this week’s featured games between Phoenix vs. Breakers, Kings vs. JackJumpers, and Kings vs. 36ers.

NBL Round 18 Tips

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Wednesday 21/1/26

5:30pm United vs. Bullets @ Red Energy Arena

Betting Tip: United –10.5 @ $1.90

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United got back to winning form last week, and it was a much-needed win. They should fancy their chances of beating the Bullets, who haven’t fired a shot in weeks.

Bookmakers have the line at –10.5, which is sizable, but if United fancies their chances during the NBL finals, they need to beat teams like the Bullets with ease.

Include the home team in NBL multis.

United by 14

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7:30pm Phoenix vs. Breakers @ State Basketball Centre

Betting Tip: Breakers +7.5 @ $1.90

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The Breakers showed signs of life in Perth when winning last week, and although the opposition wasn’t strong, it keeps them in the playoff hunt.

They need another strong performance against the Phoenix, who have four wins from their last five. It won’t be easy for the visitors, but they should play well enough to keep it close.

They just need to knock down some shots to give them confidence early.

Phoenix by 4

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Thursday 22/1/26

7:30pm Kings vs. JackJumpers @ Qudos Bank Arena

Betting Tip: Kings –4.5 @ $1.90

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The Kings are back to their best after posting three consecutive wins, and playing at home gives them the edge over the JackJumpers.

We thought the Kings would be shorter with moneyline markets than $1.50, so we’re jumping on the value for the home team.

Back them to cover the –4.5 spread with a strong performance.

Kings by 8

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9:30pm Wildcats vs. Taipans @ RAC Arena

Betting Tip: Wildcats –9.5 @ $1.90

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The Wildcats haven’t had to travel over the last two weeks, with every game played at RAC Arena last week.

They wait for the struggling Taipans, and it should be a one-sided result. We can’t see Perth losing to the Taipans, who come off a loss to the Breakers, and that’s not good enough form to compete in Perth.

Take the –9.5 line before money comes for the home side.

Wildcats by 14

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Friday 23/1/26

5:30pm Breakers vs. 36ers @ Spark Arena

Betting Tip: 36ers

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The 36ers need to bounce back after consecutive losses, and it’s on Bryce Cotton to get the rest of his teammates up and going.

They are still a legitimate title contender after an excellent mid-season run, and with the Breakers struggling to win at home, they should fancy themselves.

We have the 36ers being just too good for the Kiwis.

36ers by 5

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Saturday 24/1/26

5:30pm Phoenix vs. Taipans @ State Basketball Centre

Betting Tip: Phoenix

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The Phoenix should have the Taipans measure, and it could be a long week for the North Queenslanders.

They don’t have much going for them, and with the Phoenix looking to play well approaching the NBL finals, they should be fine-tuned for this game.

Take the Phoenix, who will be around –8.5.

Phoenix by 11

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8:00pm JackJumpers vs. Hawks @ MyState Bank Arena

Betting Tip: JackJumpers

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The Hawks showed some life with back-to-back wins, but they haven’t fired since, losing three consecutive games.

It’s not a good look for the defending champions, who have all but given up the ghost, and the JackJumpers should capitalise with an easy win.

They will be firm favourites to win, and they’re a good multi bet inclusion.

JackJumpers by 8

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Sunday 25/1/26

2:30pm Kings vs. 36ers @ Qudos Bank Arena

Betting Tip: Kings

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It’s the marquee game of the week as the Kings and 36ers battle, and we’re giving the edge to the home team.

They could prove too strong for the 36ers, and they need a big performance from Kendric Davis, who is good enough to take over the game.

We expect a tight game, but we’re leaning towards the Kings.

Kings by 4

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4:30pm Wildcats vs. United @ RAC Arena

Betting Tip: Wildcats

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When it comes to favourable draws, it doesn’t get much better for the Wildcats, who stay firmly put at RAC Arena.

Consecutive weeks of no travel should have them ready to fire against United, and the Wildcats are playing better basketball.

Punters could get value odds, so include them in NBL multi picks.

Wildcats by 6

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Monday 26/1/26

7:30pm Bullets vs. Hawks @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Betting Tip: Hawks

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If the Hawks can’t beat the Bullets, there is no hope for them. It’s a big game for bragging rights, and we feel there is more pride with the Hawks.

Being the defending champions should mean something to them, and with the Bullets riding a long losing streak, it should continue.

Hawks by 5

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.