Can Adelaide Continue Its Home Dominance Over Melbourne? Adelaide 36ers vs Melbourne United Prediction | October 7, 2026
Adelaide 36ers
Melbourne United
Adelaide 36ers host Melbourne United in the next round of the Australian NBL, with both teams looking to end two-game losing streaks. Adelaide has the better record so far and already defeated Melbourne earlier this season, but the recent history between these sides suggests another open game could be on the cards.
Match Preview
Adelaide enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 regular season, finishing second with a 23-10 record. The 36ers reached the championship series after beating South East Melbourne Phoenix 2-1 in the semifinals, but eventually lost 3-2 to Sydney in the final. They were particularly strong at home, winning 12 of their 17 regular-season games.
This season, Adelaide has won two of its first five games and currently sits seventh in the standings. The 36ers have lost their last two, going down 92-114 to Illawarra Hawks on the road before an 72-88 home defeat to New Zealand Breakers. Mick Rakocevic was Adelaide's standout performer against New Zealand with 29 points and 16 rebounds, while Bryce Cotton added 19 points.
The 36ers have split their two home games so far this season, but their record against Melbourne at home remains particularly strong. Adelaide has won the last three meetings between these teams on its home court, scoring more than 100 points in each.
Melbourne United, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistency early in the new campaign. They currently sit ninth with one win and three defeats, including losses in their last two games. United opened the season with a narrow 95-97 defeat to Adelaide, then beat South East Melbourne Phoenix before losing 82-84 to Tasmania JackJumpers and 95-107 to Cairns Taipans.
Cole Anthony produced an outstanding individual performance against Cairns with 40 points, while Josh Oduro recorded a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Melbourne has split its two away games this season, giving them a 1-1 record on the road.
The recent head-to-head record also points towards a competitive and high-scoring matchup. Adelaide has won the last three meetings, while the teams are tied at 5-5 across their last 10 encounters. Seven of the last nine meetings have gone over 180 total points.
Key Trends
- Adelaide have lost their last 2 games.
- Melbourne have lost their last 2 games.
- Adelaide have won 3 consecutive home meetings against Melbourne.
- Adelaide scored 100+ points in each of those 3 home wins.
- Adelaide beat Melbourne 97-95 earlier this season.
- 7 of the last 9 H2H meetings went over 180 total points.
Prediction
Both teams have plenty of motivation to respond after consecutive defeats, but Adelaide's recent record against Melbourne at home gives the hosts a clear reason for confidence. The 36ers have consistently found success in this matchup on their own court, while both teams have already shown a tendency to allow high-scoring games this season. With Adelaide looking to extend its strong home run against Melbourne and both sides needing a response, the recent history of this matchup points towards another game with plenty of scoring opportunities. Recommended Bet: Over 180.5 Total Points
