Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers Tips – NBL Round 17
- Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers expert predictions for Saturday’s Round 17 NBL Hoops Fest matchup
- Tip-off is at 9:30 PM AEDT at RAC Arena
- Tasmania JackJumpers boast top defensive stats, limiting opponents to 81.9 points.
- Melbourne United's scoring and defense have weakened post-FIBA break.
- Betting tips favor Tasmania -2.5, under 175.5 total points, Bannan 3+ assists.
Josh Bannan of the Jackjumpers. (Photo by Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images)
United vs JackJumpers NBL Tips & Predictions
The final meeting of the regular season between Melbourne United and the Tasmania JackJumpers takes centre stage at Hoops Fest, with Tasmania tipped to tighten the screws once again.
- United vs JackJumpers NBL Tips & Predictions
- Match Details: United vs JackJumpers
- Best Betting Tips - United vs JackJumpers
- Tasmania -2.5
- Under 175.5 Total Points
- Josh Bannan 3+ Assists
- Key Matchup to Watch
- Tasmania Half-Court Defence vs Melbourne Shot Creation
- Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers Frequently Asked Questions
The JackJumpers arrive with the league’s most reliable defensive structure. On the season they rank first in opponent scoring, and over the past six rounds they have taken that to another level, allowing just 81.9 points per game despite league-wide scoring increases.
Melbourne, meanwhile, continue to trend in the opposite direction. After averaging 97.3 points per game across the opening ten rounds, United have dropped to 88.4 since the FIBA break. Their perimeter shooting has cooled significantly, and defensively they have slipped into the bottom half of the league over the same span.
This matchup suits Tasmania perfectly. Their ability to slow the game, control the glass and force late-clock shots has already caused Melbourne problems twice this season.
Match Details: United vs JackJumpers
- Competition: NBL26
- Match: Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers
- Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026
- Start Time: 9:30 PM AEDT
- Venue: RAC Arena
Best Betting Tips - United vs JackJumpers
Tasmania -2.5
Tasmania have won two of the three meetings this season and covered this line in four straight victories against Melbourne. Their defensive edge gives them a clear advantage in a low-possession game.
Under 175.5 Total Points
Three straight games between these teams have finished under the total. Tasmania’s slow pace and Melbourne’s offensive struggles point strongly toward another low-scoring affair.
Josh Bannan 3+ Assists
Bannan’s passing role increases when Tasmania collapse Melbourne’s defence inside. He recorded four assists in the most recent matchup and has cleared this mark regularly in similar spots.
Key Matchup to Watch
Tasmania Half-Court Defence vs Melbourne Shot Creation
Melbourne’s struggles to generate clean perimeter looks play directly into Tasmania’s strengths. If United can’t score early, the JackJumpers will happily grind this game into submission.
Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers start?
Tip-off between Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers is at 9:30 PM AEDT, Saturday, January 17
What channel is Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers on?
You can watch Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.
Verdict
This shapes as another suffocating performance from Tasmania. Their defence is peaking at the right time, while Melbourne continue to search for form. Expect a slow, physical contest where the JackJumpers control tempo, limit scoring and walk away with another statement win at Hoops Fest.
Tasmania -2.5
Line
@9/10 - 2 Units
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Under 175.5
Game Total
@9/10 - 4 Units
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J Bannan 3+
Assists
@7/8 - 2 Units
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