Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 2

Ahead of Round 2, NBL Expert Pete Hooley takes a look at some of the biggest storylines for the games ahead and what you need to keep an eye on.

The full schedule

Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers - Thursday, September 25, 7.30pm AEST - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v Brisbane Bullets - Friday, September 26, 7.30pm AEST - Cairns Covention Center
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Perth Wildcats - Saturday, September 27, 5.30pm AEST - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Tasmania JackJumpers - Saturday, September 27, 8.00pm AEST - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Cairns Taipans - Sunday, September 28, 2.30pm AEST - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v Brisbane Bullets - Sunday, September 28, 4.00pm AEST - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

>> How to watch Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season

Talking points

1 – Throwdown heats up

While the overall history between the two Melbourne teams favours United, it was only last season when the Phoenix began to get a couple back on their city rival. The Phoenix’s defensive identity under Josh King was on display during their season opener against Cairns, led by John Brown III. On the other side, Melbourne United are also coming into this game with confidence after dismantling the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday.

Tensions rise when these two teams battle and Thursday night will be no different. Two teams yet to taste defeat and want to send an early season message to both their fans and the rest of the league.

Melbourne vs South East Melbourne - Thursday, 7.30pm AEST - ESPN‍

‍
2 – Harrison's favourite matchup

Brisbane Bullets big man Tyrell Harrison kicked off his season in style back home in New Zealand. After his strong display at the NBA Summer League, if the 26-year-old keeps up this form, it may be the last time we see him in the NBL for a while.

Harrison gets a favourable matchup on Friday night against a Cairns team that he ripped down 20 rebounds on last season. Yes, the Taipans do have Marcus Lee on the team now, but with no backup big due to the Sam Waardenburg injury, Harrison could put up some big numbers.

Cairns v Brisbane - Friday, 7.30pm AEST - ESPN

3 – No PJC, no NZ?

It was an emotional press conference on Sunday after the Breakers’ big loss to Melbourne, as Petteri Koponen tried to find answers for his team’s poor start to the season. While he labelled his group as “out of shape,” the bigger concern was the injury to star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. The dynamic point guard was hampered by a rib injury throughout the opening round and struggled to be as influential as he usually is.

If Jackson-Cartwright is unable to play at his best, or even at all, where does the production come from outside of Izaiah Brockington? Hopefully the minutes restriction on Karim Lopez comes off, because the Next Star will be called upon to deliver a lot more if his team wants to get their first win on Saturday.

New Zealand vs Perth - Saturday, 5.30pm AEST - ESPN‍

‍4 – Reigning champs' special night

It will be a special night for the reigning champions, as they unveil the banner inside the Win Entertainment Centre to a sold-out crowd. Justin Tatum has already been open about how he wants his team to enjoy this moment one more time, before they put it all behind them and concentrate on adding another.

It will also be the first time we get to see JaVale McGee in action, who comes into this season off a dominant display in Puerto Rico. The last time we saw an ex-NBA big man with similar defensive attributes come to the NBL, was Andrew Bogut joining the Kings… and we all know how that turned out.

Illawarra v Tasmania -Saturday, 8pm AEST - ESPN

5 – Cotton's debut

It was more of the same for the five-time MVP Bryce Cotton on Sunday against European powerhouse Panathinaikos, dropping 24 points and nine assists. While it was our first look at the superstar in his new jersey, Sunday will be the first time he officially wears the new colours in Adelaide’s home opener.

It was one of the best moves the NBL has ever seen, and it created headlines for months in the off-season, but that’s all part of history now. The new Cotton era in Adelaide begins and the hunt to add more to the legacy continues.

Adelaide v Brisbane - Sunday, 4.00pm AEST - ESPN