Ignite Cup Round 5 Preview & Best Bets

The NBL Ignite Cup continues midweek with two compelling matchups with the Tasmania JackJumpers vs Sydney Kings in Hobart, followed by the Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets out west. Both games headline Wednesday night’s double feature and shape as early measuring sticks for how the league’s contenders are tracking.

The opening game sees Tasmania return home to face a resurgent Sydney Kings, who snapped back into form last week with a statement win over Adelaide. Coach Brian Goorjian’s side produced a defensive masterclass, holding five-time MVP Bryce Cotton to just seven points in what was easily their best performance of the season.

That same defensive intensity will be needed again to contain Tasmania’s scoring threat Bryce Hamilton, who leads the JackJumpers with over 20 points per game. The Kings’ ability to lock down opposing guards has been their calling card, and with Tasmania ranked only eighth in scoring, they’ll need Hamilton firing to stay in the contest.

With two defensive-minded coaches in Scott Roth and Goorjian at the helm, this one has “low-scoring grind” written all over it. All four previous meetings between these sides have gone under the total, and the same trend looks set to continue. Sydney have also won their last four against the JackJumpers, and their balance at both ends gives them the edge once more.

The late game takes us to RAC Arena, where the Perth Wildcats host the Brisbane Bullets. On paper, Perth are heavy favourites, but the Bullets have shown enough grit this season to believe they can cover the spread as road underdogs.

The Wildcats are 3-1 but far from convincing, they hit just two of nineteen from deep in last week’s narrow win over Cairns. Their defence, however, remains elite, allowing a league-best 78.5 points per game. Dylan Windler and Jo Lual-Acuil continue to do the heavy lifting in the paint, but without Bryce Cotton, Perth are still searching for offensive consistency.

For Brisbane, Casey Prather is in red-hot form, averaging 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists, and has scored 30-plus in his last two meetings with Perth. Three of Brisbane’s four losses this season have been by seven points or fewer, and their rebounding and perimeter defence could frustrate a Perth side that’s not built for blowouts.

Expect a slow, defensive battle, one where Perth likely win, but Brisbane cover the line and keep it close throughout.

Round 5 of the Ignite Cup is shaping as a night for the defences. Sydney’s structure, Perth’s discipline, and the hunger of their opponents all point towards hard-fought, low-scoring games rather than shootouts.

Both favourites in the Kings and Wildcats should win, but the value lies with the Underdogs. Tasmania’s shooting inconsistency and Brisbane’s resilience mean the spread could be the deciding factor in both games.

Stay tuned to Aussiebets.com.au for ongoing NBL coverage, expert analysis, and weekly best bets throughout the Ignite Cup and beyond.