Can New Zealand Continue Their Strong Start? Brisbane Bullets vs New Zealand Breakers Preview | September 22, 2026
Brisbane Bullets
New Zealand Breakers
Brisbane Bullets will host New Zealand Breakers on September 22 in the opening round of the Australian NBL. Brisbane are preparing for their first official game of the new season, while New Zealand have already opened their campaign with a convincing victory.
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Match Preview
Brisbane Bullets enter the new season after a difficult preseason, losing both of their friendly matches against South East Melbourne and Cairns Taipans. Both defeats came by sizeable margins, continuing the problems that affected the team throughout the previous campaign.
Brisbane finished last in the previous regular season with just six wins from 33 games. Their home record was particularly poor, with only two of those victories coming on their own court. Including the end of last season and the preseason, the Bullets have now lost 15 consecutive games.
However, Brisbane have enjoyed a strong record against New Zealand at home. The Bullets have won three of their last four home meetings with the Breakers, including their most recent home game against them last season.
New Zealand Breakers, meanwhile, have already played their first official game of the campaign. They defeated Illawarra Hawks 95–81, with Sam Mennenga leading the way with 27 points and eight rebounds.
The Breakers also produced a more convincing preseason, recording wins over Tasmania JackJumpers and South East Melbourne before carrying that momentum into the regular season.
New Zealand finished seventh last season with 13 wins and 20 losses, including six victories in 17 away games. Their overall recent head-to-head record against Brisbane is less encouraging, though, as the Breakers have won only one of the last seven meetings between the teams.
Key Trends
- Brisbane have lost 15 consecutive games across the end of last season and preseason.
- Brisbane won 3 of their last 4 home meetings with New Zealand.
- New Zealand opened the new season with a 95–81 victory over Illawarra.
- The Breakers have won only once in the last seven overall meetings with Brisbane.
Prediction
The head-to-head record gives Brisbane some reason for confidence, particularly at home, but the current form of the two teams points in a different direction. The Bullets have struggled for a long period, entering the new season on a 15-game losing streak after another winless preseason. New Zealand, in contrast, have already collected an official victory and also went unbeaten through their preseason schedule. The Breakers therefore arrive with considerably more positive momentum, while Brisbane will need a major improvement from their recent performances to turn the matchup around. Recommended Bet: New Zealand Breakers +5 Asian Handicap
