New Zealand NBL Prediction: Southland Sharks vs Bay Hawks (18-07-2026)

Southland Sharks return home looking to strengthen their grip on second place in the New Zealand NBL standings, while Bay Hawks arrive in Invercargill desperate to end a six-game losing streak.

Although the visitors have struggled for results throughout the season, both teams have consistently been involved in high-scoring contests.

Thrill offers an extensive basketball betting section alongside live wagering and support for multiple cryptocurrencies.

Regular users can also take advantage of rewards that include up to 70% rakeback and weekly cashback offers, while the platform covers leagues from around the world, including the New Zealand NBL.

The numbers behind both teams point towards another entertaining NBL game.

Southland are averaging 96.1 points per contest while conceding 88.2, giving them a combined average of more than 184 points per game.

Bay Hawks have been even more open defensively, scoring 87.7 points per night but allowing nearly 97 points on average.

Recent form supports the over as well.

Southland Sharks have won four of their last five matches, scoring at least 83 points in each of those victories, while Bay Hawks have lost six in a row and continue to struggle at the defensive end.

The previous meeting between these teams produced far more points than the current line suggests.

Back in June, Southland claimed a convincing 117-93 victory on the road, with the teams combining for 210 points.

There is an obvious gap between the sides in the standings, with Southland sitting near the top of the table and Bay Hawks rooted to the bottom.

However, that difference may actually help the total points market.

The Sharks have one of the league’s most productive offenses, while Bay Hawks’ defensive problems have regularly turned their games into shootouts.

With both teams averaging close to 184 combined points in NBL league even before taking their recent head-to-head into account, the line of 185.5 looks reachable.