NBL Betting Tips: Round 16 of 20 – Basketball Prediction and Preview

New Zealand Breakers vs Melbourne United NBL Betting Tips

Match info: SUNDAY, JANUARY, 19, SPARK ARENA, 4:00 UTC

This is an important game for Melbourne United. They are 4^th in the standings with 11 wins and 10 losses and would have to ensure that Round 16 goes well so that they can maintain their spot. Melbourne had ended Round 15 with an 86:100 loss against Adelaide on the road. They would have to quickly shrug off that loss and begin the next round with better confidence. 

Melbourne’s next assignment is against the New Zealand Breakers who suddenly slipped after showing a tremendous spark. The Breakers, after winning a stunning 5 games in a row, lost two back-to-back-games in Round 15 – against Cairns and Brisbane. This derailed their charge.

However, the Breakers have begun Round 16 with a brilliant and unexpected 88:81 win at home against 1^st placed Sydney Kings. This outstanding win has moved them to the 7^th position and they would be hoping to clinch another win to further move up the ladder. 

Melbourne United and New Zealand Breakers have faced off twice in this season of the NBL and on both occasions, Melbourne secured wins. The last time the Breakers had hosted Melbourne was in November 2019 where they were handed a 101:104 loss.

Things are likely to remain the same this time too even though the Breakers will have the home advantage. Melbourne United is in much better shape and is unlikely to slip against an inconsistent side like the New Zealand Breakers. Back Melbourne United to secure a close win.

Sydney Kings vs S.E.M Phoenix United Betting Tips

Match info: SUNDAY, JANUARY, 19, QUDOS BANK ARENA, 6:00 UTC

After a topsy-turvy couple of weeks, the Sydney Kings got their act together in Round 15 with two back-to-back wins against Cairns and Adelaide. However, Sydney began Round 16 with a shocking 81:88 loss against 7^th placed New Zealand Breakers on the road. The first-place Sydney Kings will now be hosting South East Melbourne Phoenix and would be hoping to shrug that loss off and end Round 16 on a high.

Sydney and S.E. Melbourne have clashed twice this season and Sydney won both the games easily. The last time Sydney had hosted South East Melbourne was in December 2019 where they had registered a thumping 110:98 win. 

South East Melbourne have been inconsistent all through this season and that is why they find themselves in the 8^th spot in the points table now. They started Round 16 with a deflating 71:97 loss against Perth Wildcats on the road. Facing Sydney will be an even bigger challenge and thus things aren’t looking good for the Phoenix side.

Sydney, despite a few glitches here and there, have been the best side of this year’s NBL and are way too strong for an erratic South East Melbourne Phoenix. Back them to secure a comfortable win in this match.