Starting 5: Intense rivalries, dynamic duos & the League's benchmark

This seven-game slate features one massive Ignite Cup clash in Hobart, an all-NSW derby and numerous heavyweight clashes.

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All the action tips off on Wednesday night with Tasmania hosting Brisbane in an Ignite Cup fixture from 7.30pm AEDT.

Pete Hooley takes a look at some of the key storylines ahead of Round 6.

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The full schedule

Tasmania JackJumpers v Brisbane Bullets - Wednesday, October 21, 7.30pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings - Thursday, October 22, 7.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United - Friday, October 23, 9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Brisbane Bullets - Saturday, October 24, 5.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN, 9Go! and 9Now | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Adelaide 36ers - Saturday, October 24, 7.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN, 9, 9Go! and 9Now | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v New Zealand Breakers - Sunday, October 25, 3pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v Sydney Kings - Sunday, October 25, 5pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 - The benchmark

The Tasmania JackJumpers have set the tone through five rounds of this season that they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Scott Roth has built this team with a particular focus in mind, bookended by his two local stars in Taran Armstrong and Will Magnay.

This JackJumpers team has won five of their first seven games and is still to bring in three key pieces to their rotation who are out with injuries.

While championships aren’t won in October, this team is showing glimpses of a play style that will translate very well into the post-season.

2 - Can we get an encore?

The Illawarra Hawks had their dream opponent to kickstart their season last round, taking on Melbourne United, who they have grown a rivalry with over the last few seasons.

Now that they have that win under their belt, their next task is yet another rival in the Sydney Kings, who will travel down the highway and try to make a statement.

Hawks fans will be hoping they have turned a corner in their season, and another big win at home could be the perfect way to really catapult their season forward.

3 - Another chapter

Whenever the Perth Wildcats take on Melbourne United, it usually comes down to the wire.

Think back to the Playoffs just two years ago, where the Wildcats forced a Game 3 back in Melbourne and it turned out to be one of the greatest games of all time.

That was no anomaly, as these two teams seem to bring the very best out of one another every time they play.

From a Perth perspective, they’ll be hoping they can protect home court, as they play 11 of their first 13 games at RAC Arena.

For United, they are under the micropipe this week having stumbled early with their star-studded roster.

4 - Playoff rematch

Last season’s Playoff matchup between Adelaide and South East Melbourne was memorable for a few reasons.

However, in the end, Bryce Cotton was simply unstoppable, and the Phoenix had no answer for the six-time MVP’s play in any of the three games across the series.

What has Josh King got in store to try and slow down Cotton on Saturday night?

Have the Phoenix turned a corner themselves after they dismantled the Cairns Taipans last round?

5 - Most exciting duo in the League?

Not many people would have had the duo of Sam Mennenga and Carlin Davison as the most exciting to watch in the League through five rounds, yet here we are.

They say absence creates opportunity, and when Parker Jackson-Cartwright went down with an injury, Davison was given the chance to run the team and hasn’t looked back.

Three straight games with double-digit assists, combining seamlessly with his big man, and this Breakers team is ticking all the right boxes.