Can South East Melbourne Continue Its Dominance? Tasmania JackJumpers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Prediction | September 21, 2026
Tasmania JackJumpers
South East Melbourne Phoenix
The first round of the Australian NBL continues on September 21, with Tasmania JackJumpers hosting South East Melbourne Phoenix. While Tasmania are preparing for their first official game of the new season, Phoenix have already opened their campaign with a convincing victory, giving them an early advantage heading into this matchup.
Match Preview
Tasmania JackJumpers finished sixth in the regular-season standings last year and reached the playoffs. However, their postseason run ended immediately after a defeat to Melbourne United in the opening game. Tasmania then played two friendly matches ahead of the new season but failed to win either of them.
Home form is another concern for the JackJumpers. Tasmania played 16 home games last season but won only six of them. Their recent record against South East Melbourne at home is even less encouraging, with just one victory in the last six meetings between the teams in Tasmania.
South East Melbourne Phoenix have already played their first official game of the new NBL season and made an impressive start. Phoenix defeated Perth 100-79, with Tanner Krebs leading the scoring with 25 points. Dash Daniels also produced a strong performance, finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
Phoenix enjoyed a better regular season than Tasmania last year, finishing third in the standings. They then defeated Perth in the playoffs before losing their semifinal series against Adelaide 2-1. Their opening win this season suggests that South East Melbourne are ready to compete near the top of the standings again.
The head-to-head record also favors Phoenix. South East Melbourne have won five of their last seven games against Tasmania, while their most recent meeting ended in a dominant 120-104 victory.
Key Trends
- South East Melbourne opened the new season with a 100-79 win over Perth.
- Tasmania won only 6 of 16 home games last season.
- JackJumpers have won just once in their last six home meetings with Phoenix.
- South East Melbourne have won 5 of their last 7 games against Tasmania.
Prediction
Tasmania JackJumpers face a difficult opening game against a South East Melbourne side that has already shown strong form in the new season. Phoenix dominated Perth in their opener, while Tasmania enter the matchup without a win in either of their two preseason games. The home-court factor may not be enough to change the balance between the teams. Tasmania's home record from last season was inconsistent, and their recent results against Phoenix in Tasmania have also been poor. South East Melbourne also have the psychological advantage from their recent head-to-head record, including a 120-104 victory in the last meeting. With Phoenix already up and running in the new season and Tasmania still searching for their first win, the visitors have several factors working in their favor. Recommended Bet: South East Melbourne Phoenix to Win
