Saturday's Throwdown at John Cain Arena is set to be one of the biggest in the rivalry's history.Melbourne United sit in first place, despite back-to-back losses, while the South East Melbourne Phoenix have surged into second after their franchise's maiden five-game win streak.
QJ Peterson’s rise with the Illawarra Hawks has been rapid, and on Friday night he finally erupted, as Davo Hickey and JaVale McGee joined the show in Cairns.
Mojave King didn’t just take his chance, he owned it. In a career-best NBL showing, he poured in 32 points to remind everyone just how dangerous he can be.Back for a second stint with the Cairns Taipans, King looked locked in and ready to maximise his opportunity.
When it was first announced that Bryce Cotton would be trading his Perth Wildcats uniform for that of the Adelaide 36ers, it sent shockwaves through the basketball world.Cotton was part of the Wildcats fabric, winning five MVPs during his 258 games in the red and black.
With a triple-double from Davo Hickey, hot shooting performance from QJ Peterson and more dominance from JaVale McGee, it was a triple threat behind the Illawarra Hawks beating the Cairns Taipans 107-90 on Friday.
Tasmania coach Scott Roth isn’t worried about ladder position or losing streaks, only continued improvement.'We don't talk about the ladder here in Tasmania and I've never talked about it in five years,' he said after Thursday’s narrow loss to South East Melbourne.
Tasmania JackJumpers v Brisbane BulletsSaturday, November 8, 5.30pm AEDTMyState Bank ArenaHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNTickets>> Ticketing informationHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
South East Melbourne Phoenix v Melbourne UnitedSaturday, November 8, 8pm AEDTJohn Cain ArenaHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNTickets>> Ticketing informationHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
With Melbourne and South East Melbourne sitting in first and second on the ladder, this Saturday's Throwdown looms as one of the biggest in history.
Cairns Taipans v Illawarra HawksFriday, November 7, 7.30pm AEDTCairns Convention CentreHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
By Tom Hersz.There are high pressure jobs in professional basketball and then there is being the Head Coach of the Perth Wildcats. A franchise with a big and passionate fanbase, who have been spoiled with success over the past 35-plus years.
The NBL Group has confirmed a record number of new and renewed commercial partnerships across the NBL, WNBL, and NBL1 competitions, reinforcing the organisation’s status as one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports properties.
Superstar guard Kendric Davis and his Sydney Kings had a weekend to remember in Round 7.Sitting at 3-5 and with their season in the balance, the Kings produced massive road wins against the Brisbane Bullets and the previously unbeaten Melbourne United.
Josh King credits a message from his mother for inspiring Malique Lewis to fill Angus Glover’s shooting shoes. But on a night when points were flowing, it was John Brown III who proved the difference for the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The Tasmania JackJumpers found a way to score in Launceston but fell agonisingly short with the South East Melbourne Phoenix prevailing 103-102 despite the 36 points from Bryce Hamilton.
The Adelaide 36ers did their best to throw it away in the last minute but the New Zealand Breakers couldn’t take advantage with the Sixers holding on for the 83-79 Thursday win in Christchurch.
The NBL Group announced on Friday that Paywise as the Official Salary Packaging and Novated Lease Partner of the Hungry Jack’s NBL and WNBL.The new two-year partnership will see Paywise play a major role at HoopsFest Perth in January 2026, connecting its strong Western Australian roots with a national audience as part of its continued growth across Australia.
The Brisbane Bullets’ hopes of improving on a challenging start to the year have been given a boost, with Mitch Norton set to return this week.
Wednesday night's performance by Illawarra centre JaVale McGee was one for the record books.The three-time NBA champion put up a huge stat line of 37 points and 14 rebounds during his side's 107-93 win over Melbourne United.
A lot can change in one week in the NBL.This time last week, Melbourne United were undefeated with a 9-0 record.But now, Dean Vickerman's side have lost two straight, including Wednesday's Ignite Cup defeat to the Illawarra Hawks, set up by the reigning champions being aggressive early.
Tasmania JackJumpers v South East Melbourne PhoenixThursday, November 6, 7.30pm AEDTSilverdomeHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
New Zealand Breakers v Adelaide 36ersThursday, November 5, 5.30pm AEDTWolfbrook ArenaHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
JaVale McGee says his focus is on being consistently aggressive, after a dominant display against Melbourne United.He believes playing alongside Davo Hickey has the potential to make the pair unguardable, after he and the Illawarra Hawks made a statement in Wednesday’s Ignite Cup win.
There is life in the championship defence for the Illawarra Hawks yet with JaVale McGee unstoppable with 37 points and 14 rebounds to hand Melbourne United successive defeats with the 107-93 Ignite Cup by Disney+ victory.
AAP.Josh Giddey is in rare air, joining the incomparable Michael Jordan as the only Bulls players to have banked back-to-back triple-doubles with Chicago downing Philadelphia in an NBA thriller.
He may have only featured in three NBL games, but one NBL teenager has already caught the eye of the competition's greatest ever player, Andrew Gaze.
Illawarra's title defence hasn't gone according to plan.After seven rounds of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season, the Hawks sit in last place with a 2-6 record.
Illawarra Hawks v Melbourne UnitedWednesday, November 5, 7.30pm AEDTWIN Entertainment CentreHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
Just as another huge round of close games and big performances wraps up, it’s time to get ready for the next one!Six more sides will take the court twice this weekend, and there are plenty of players who have made their case for selection, after strong performances in Round 7.Another excellent showing from Damon Lowery saw him fall to just 1,200 players last weekend.
The round is highlighted with numerous double-headers, a blockbuster Throwdown and five-time MVP Bryce Cotton playing his first match against the Perth Wildcats.Meanwhile the Ignite Cup begins on Wednesday night with all eyes on the $400,000 of prize money up for grabs.
The last time the Illawarra Hawks stepped onto the WIN Entertainment Centre court, they suffered their franchise's worst ever defeat, losing by 42 points to New Zealand.And while they backed that up with another loss to Adelaide on Sunday, the Hawks showed plenty more fight.
They may sit on top of the table with a commanding 9-1 record, but Melbourne United will be looking for a response on Wednesday night for numerous reasons.Firstly, they suffered their first loss of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season on Monday to Sydney.
Counting down the Top 10 plays from Round 7 of the NBL26 season, presented by Spalding.Watch the full video below..
One week is a short time in the NBL and the Sydney Kings are walking proof of that.Last week, they were reeling after back-to-back losses to South East Melbourne and Tasmania.
By Damon Lowery.Author’s note – “HOOYAH” is the battle cry of the Navy Seals and is given out to celebrate great efforts & achievements.A “HARDEN UP” is given out when a performance has not been at the expected level.
Matthew Dellavedova, Kendric Davis, and Bul Kuol took control in the final moments of Monday night’s Melbourne Cup Eve clash. Relive the intense last two minutes between Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings.
While the New Zealand Breakers have had a rollercoaster start to NBL26, local big man Sam Mennenga is putting up career-best numbers and looking every bit of an All-NBL Team member through nine games.
It’s certainly not doom and gloom in Tasmania just yet, but two home losses over the weekend have put a significant dampener on their strong start to the season.
Round 7 has come and gone and it delivered a mixed bag of results for many teams. On one hand there was the Cairns Taipans who suffered yet another big loss, before going into Tasmania and getting a gutsy win.
Matthew Dellavedova might have expected a warm welcome on his old home floor, but instead he was met with boos. The Sydney Kings guard had the perfect response, playing a key role in ending Melbourne United’s unbeaten run, and his former coach wasn’t happy with how the crowd treated him.
The Sydney Kings have sent a message that they can't be forgotten in the NBL26 title race with Kendric Davis delivering 34 points as they handed Melbourne United a first loss of the season with the 95-92 road win.
Round 7 isn’t finished yet, but NBL Overtime is ready to unpack a week full of drama and tension, with South East Melbourne Phoenix stepping up, Justin Tatum's post-game comments, Bryce Cotton firing back at Damon Lowery, and plenty more.Watch Overtime on ESPN, every Monday from 7pm AEST..
The South East Melbourne Phoenix have flown under the radar to date, just going about their business. But after solidifying second spot on the ladder, following their fourth-straight win on Sunday, people are starting to give the Phoenix the flowers they deserve.
By AAP.Josh Giddey now sits on Chicago's triple-double podium with legendary duo Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen after his Madison Square Garden love affair continued.The Bulls' unbeaten run was halted but Giddey's NBA All-Star stocks continued to rise with a 23-point triple-double in New York.
Through the opening seven rounds of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season, Melbourne United sit on top of the NBL ladder, thanks to a franchise equal-best 9-0 start.
Much has been made of Dejan Vasiljevic's start to the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season. The two-time NBL champion is averaging a career-low 11.1 points per game this season, on just 33.3 per cent from the field (also a career-low).
Cairns finally snapped their losing streak with a win over Tasmania, Xavier Cooks found his rhythm again against Brisbane, and Adelaide vs Illawarra delivered a nail-biting finish. Plus is John Brown III already the Defensive Player of the Year? His showdown with JLA in Perth says a lot.
Saturday's 37-point loss to Sydney marked the biggest by Brisbane during the Hungry Jack's NBL26 campaign.Coach Stu Lash believes 'mental fatigue' played a big role in the loss, with the Kings fixture was the Bullets' third game in eight days.
Melbourne United v Sydney KingsMonday, November 3, 7.30pm AEDTJohn Cain ArenaHow to watchWatch every Sunday game live on ESPN and Channel 10.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
John Brown III was instrumental in South East Melbourne Phoenix’s fourth straight win, keeping Jo Lual-Acuil Jr quiet while thriving under Josh King, who he says understands him better than any coach he’s ever had.
Last season's championship hero, Davo Hickey, missed a chance to get the game to overtime with the Adelaide 36ers holding out the Illawarra Hawks for the 90-88 victory at home on Sunday.
It had all the feelings of a finals-like match up and the South East Melbourne Phoenix kept their hot form going with an intense 94-89 home victory on Sunday against the Perth Wildcats.
Adelaide 36ers v Illawarra Hawks Sunday, November 2, 4.30pm AEDTAdelaide Entertainment CentreHow to watchWatch every Sunday game live on ESPN and Channel 10.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
South East Melbourne Phoenix v Perth WildcatsSunday, November 2, 2.30pm AEDTJohn Cain ArenaHow to watchWatch every Sunday game live on ESPN and Channel 10.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
Brian Goorjian got just the response he wanted from the Sydney Kings on Saturday night.He now gears up for a Melbourne United challenge he likens to facing Team USA when he was coaching the Australian Boomers.
Three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee has been a revelation since arriving in Australia to play for the Illawarra Hawks.
Adelaide coach Mike Wells has piled praise on Sunday’s opponents, Illawarra, labelling them an “outstanding team” and calling out the dominance of Will Hickey and JaVale McGee.
The Sydney Kings were left devastated by blowing a big lead on Sunday but bounced back with their most complete and emphatic performance of NBL26 to beat the Brisbane Bullets 116-79.The Kings blew a 16-point fourth quarter lead at home to the Tasmania JackJumpers on Sunday, but your response is even more important and it couldn’t have been better as they destroyed the Bullets at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre by 37 points.
The struggles of the Tasmania JackJumpers in Launceston continued with the Cairns Taipans putting in a spirited showing to snap their seven-match losing run to score the 75-69 Saturday victory.
The Perth Wildcats are set to receive a huge boost for their Round 7 showdown with South East Melbourne.
The New Zealand Breakers, fuelled by 'hurt', responded in a big way on Friday night at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
Championship coach Justin Tatum apologised to Illawarra Hawks members and fans for his team’s performance in their record 40-minute loss on Friday,Even with Davo Hickey and new import QJ Peterson in the lineup, the Hawks crashed to their worst-ever 40-minute defeat at home, losing to the New Zealand Breakers by 42 points.
Brisbane Bullets v Sydney KingsSaturday, November 1, 5.30pm AEDTSilverdomeHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
Tasmania JackJumpers v Cairns TaipansSaturday, November 1, 5.30pm AEDTSilverdomeHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
It had all the makings of a night of the Illawarra Hawks getting their NBL title defence on track but the New Zealand Breakers blew those plans apart with the biggest win of the season, 102-60.The Breakers recorded their first road win of the season beating the Hawks by a season-high 42 points at the WIN Entertainment Centre with Illawarra's championship defence at a loose end.
Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde was left to lament another disappointing loss for his team on Thursday night, saying his players “lack the edge” required to win right now.
Reinforcements have arrived for the defending champion Illawarra Hawks, with Davo Hickey returning on Friday night alongside new import QJ Peterson.
Stu Lash has labelled Saturday night as the biggest game of NBL26 for the Brisbane Bullets, following their best performance of the season. With Jaylen Adams set to face his former team the Sydney Kings, and Tristan Devers eager for more challenges, the Bullets are riding a wave of confidence.
For all the challenges the Illawarra Hawks have faced in the early part of the season, it’s hard to believe that a win on Friday night would put them firmly back in the top six.
Halloween is all about frightening monsters and scary costumes.During the NBL's 47-year history, the competition has seen its fair share of scary and imposing players.
Illawarra Hawks v New Zealand BreakersFriday, October 31, 7.30pm AEDTWIN Entertainment CentreHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
Both Queensland teams were in desperate need of an NBL win and had their best scoring first halves of NBL26, but it was the Brisbane Bullets better equipped to keep it going for the 113-85 home win over the Cairns Taipans.
Bryce Cotton is used to giving it to guards on the court, but the five-time MVP now has a fight on his hands with a former one off the court.
The Illawarra Hawks have filled their vacant import spot, securing the signature of American point guard QJ Peterson.
The Illawarra Hawks will receive a much-needed boost on Friday, with NBL25 championship-winner William Hickey set to make his season debut against New Zealand.
The Illawarra Hawks have filled their vacant import spot, securing the signature of American point guard QJ Peterson.
With the Cairns Taipans desperate for a win, Jack McVeigh could be just the man to reverse the trend.At two wins, seven losses on the season, the Taipans’ campaign is hanging on a knife’s edge, but the return of their marquee man will almost certainly help the cause.
The Tasmania JackJumpers are sweating on the fitness of team captain Will Magnay for Saturday's showdown with Cairns.The 2024 Paris Olympian left the court during Tasmania's Ignite Cup loss to Perth in the third quarter on Wednesday and did not return to action after treatment.
The National Basketball League (NBL) and Bunnings have teamed up to launch Courtside Access by Bunnings, a nationwide competition giving young basketball fans aged 8 to 15 the chance to win the ultimate game-day experience.
AAP.With the job done, Josh Giddey took a seat two rebounds shy of a triple-double as Chicago's impressive NBA season start continued against Sacramento.
Brisbane Bullets v Cairns TaipansThursday, October 30, 7.30pm AEDTBrisbane Entertainment CentreHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
NBL22 MVP Jaylen Adams is the first to admit the start of the 2025-26 Hungry Jack's season hasn't gone according to plan, for both him and his Brisbane Bullets.Through the first nine games of the NBL26 campaign, the superstar import is averaging a career-low 14.3 points per game.
While Jo Lual-Acuil Jr starred in the Perth Wildcats' Ignite Cup win, coach John Rillie was most pleased with how his team outworked the Tasmania JackJumpers and how the supporting cast seized their opportunities.
Sunday's blockbuster between Adelaide and Melbourne was arguably the game of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season to date.
Earlier in the week, NBL champion Damon Lowery threw his MVP support behind Illawarra Hawks superstar JaVale McGee.Now fellow NBL champion Cal Bruton, who was also voted to two All-NBL First Teams, has weighed in on the discussion and thrown the name of another high-profile import in the mix.
Jo Lual-Acuil Jr took charge after the Tasmania JackJumpers lost Will Magnay, Elijah Pepper had a career night and the Perth Wildcats dominated the offensive glass to come from 17 points down for the 95-84 road win.
The Cairns Taipans will call upon Mojave King to replace the injured Alex Higgins-Titsha, announcing the 23-year-old as an Injury Replacement Player.
I've never played fantasy sports in my life … until now.All of my mates play and every year they invite to play fantasy NFL and NBA, and I declined the offer every time because I felt like it was too big of a commitment.
The Sydney Kings have shut down the idea that they will bring in a third import during the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season.According to CODE Sports, the Kings currently have four marquee players on their roster, including imports Kendric Davis and Tim Soares.
The Sydney Kings are one of the hottest talking pointing points after back-to-back Round 6 losses against South East Melbourne and Tasmania.
Tasmania JackJumpers v Perth WildcatsWednesday, October 29, 7.30pm AEDTMyState Bank ArenaHow to watchWatch every Sunday game live on ESPN and Channel 10.>> How to watch ESPNHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
The round is highlighted with numerous double-headers, some potential import debuts and Matthew Dellavedova's first game back in Melbourne since joining Sydney.Meanwhile the Ignite Cup begins on Wednesday night with all eyes on the $400,000 of prize money up for grabs.
Beat The Coach: Top Round 7 picks & PLAY NOWWith some massive results and huge performances last weekend, there is plenty of excitement in the air as we head into Round 7 of NBL26. Six NBL clubs will hit the court twice this weekend, giving SuperCoach players plenty of different options to find their perfect winning formula.
He's been a sensation since arriving in Australia and now one NBL champion believes Illawarra's JaVale McGee should be the 'front-runner' for MVP honours.
Cairns Taipans star Sam Waardenburg has taken the first steps to making his long awaited Hungry Jack's NBL26 season debut.Waardenburg, who suffered a pre-season ankle injury which required surgery in September, removed his moon boot for the first time in six weeks on Monday.
Perth's newest signing David Duke Jr arrived in Australia on Monday and is ready to make an instant impact, especially on the defensive end.
AAP.Josh Giddey has won Boomers bragging rights over Australian teammate Dyson Daniels as Chicago pipped Atlanta 128-123 to stay unbeaten this NBA season.
The NBL has backed its referees amid recent commentary around the league.
A fascinating insight into the on-court engagement of Adelaide 36ers star Zylan Cheatham. Can't view the video? Check out our YouTube channel and hit subscribe for more great content.
Melbourne United joined elite company on Sunday, by moving to 9-0 to start the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season.
