Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 1

Ahead of Round 1, we look at some of the biggest storylines for the games ahead and what you need to keep an eye on.

The full schedule

Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United - Thursday, September 18, 7.30pm AEST - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Brisbane Bullets - Friday, September 19, 5.30pm AEST - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Cairns Taipans - Saturday, September 20, 5.30pm AEST - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Tasmania JackJumpers - Saturday, September 20, 8.00pm AEST - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v New Zealand Breakers - Sunday, September 21, 2.30pm AEST - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

>> How to watch Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season

Talking points

1 – Milton returns to the Island

The highly anticipated NBL26 season tips-off in Tasmania with Melbourne United heading into MyState Bank Arena looking to get one back on the JackJumpers who have had their number in recent seasons.

It will be an unusual feeling for JackJumpers fans to be watching Milton Doyle on their home floor, but in a new uniform, as the former star joined United this off-season. Doyle returns to a place where he was a fan favourite and ultimately played a major role in bringing them the ultimate success in NBL24.

How will his return be received?

Tasmania v Melbourne - Thursday, 7.30pm AEST - ESPN

2 – Watch the scoreboard with Javon

It was as big off-season for the Brisbane Bullets, beginning with their new head coach Stu Lash being appointed, followed by of big-time player signings. With some familiar faces in action in Casey Prather and Jaylen Adams, it’s Javon Freeman-Liberty who many experts are predicting will thrive in NBL26.

The 25-year-old has built his professional reputation on the back of being able to score at every level and at a very high rate. At the Code Sports NBL Blitz, Freeman-Liberty flashed this brilliance against the Sydney Kings and did it with ease.

Could we finally see a new name lead the league in scoring?

New Zealand v Brisbane - Friday, 5.30pm AEST - ESPN

3 – McVeigh at JCA, a dream combo

His return to the NBL became one of the biggest off-season headlines and now Jack McVeigh’s first game comes in a venue that he’s very familiar with. In fact, the last time fans saw the Taipans marquee man in action, he was cutting down the net at John Cain Arena as a Champion and Larry Sengstock Medallist.

Since that historic moment, McVeigh has been playing the best basketball of his life that including an Olympic appearance and a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets. While his NBA dream lives on, his sole focus is on bringing success back to the Taipans and he gets the chance to lead from the front.

What can McVeigh achieve as the go-to guy?

South East Melbourne v Cairns - Saturday, 5.30pm AEST - ESPN

4 – Are the Wildcats the team to beat?

Who would have thought that a team that lost the five-time MVP and eight-time scoring champion this off-season, could be the championship favourites just a few months later. The Red Army was made to wait, as the roster build came together very slowly, but now that they’ve had a chance to see Jo Lual-Acuil and Mason Jones in action, there’s every reason to be excited.

Jones was outstanding in his pre-season debut on Sunday, hitting six threes and filling up the stat sheet. Marquee big man Lual-Acuil was also dominant across the two games against Japanese B. League teams and looks primed for a big NBL26. With the returning import stars in Dylan Windler and Kristian Doolittle, this may just be the most complete roster in the league.

Could this be the best Wildcats team in recent history?

Perth v Tasmania -Saturday, 8pm AEST - ESPN

5 – Irresistible force paradox

It’s the back-to-back Best Defensive Player in Shea Ili, going up against the playmaking superstar Parker Jackson-Cartwright – who will come out on top? Ili has proven time and time again why he is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the modern era and now gets to set the tone against the Breakers star guard.

However, Jackson-Cartwright has unfinished business this season after the way it all fell apart for his team after Round 10 in NBL25. Whether it’s scoring, creating or being crafty defensively himself, Jackson-Cartwright is one of the most dominant players across the NBL.

Melbourne v New Zealand - Sunday, 2.30pm AEST - ESPN & 10