Experts unpack the key schedule storylines

The schedule for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season is officially here, with each of the 10 teams’ 33-game slate revealed.

Now that all 165 games are locked in, NBL experts have gone to work, identifying the defining stretches, toughest road trips, key rivalries and must-win moments that could shape each team’s season.

ESPN’s Olgun Uluc outlined that the Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings are setup to hit the ground running this season, with numerous home games early in their schedule.

“Perth plays nine of their first 13 games at RAC Arena, opening on September 19 against the Phoenix, which will theoretically allow for home comfort and rhythm through the early weeks,” Uluc said.

“The Kings are similar to the Wildcats in that there's a stark contrast between the beginning of their schedule and what follows. The Kings open the 2026-27 regular season against the Taipans on September 20, in what's the first of six consecutive home games. Six weeks into the season, Sydney will have played 18 per cent of their schedule without leaving the city.”

‍>> READ MORE: HUNGRY JACK'S NBL27 SCHEDULE REVEALED

Illawarra and Brisbane could be in a strong position leading towards Finals, with numerous games on their respective home courts.

“Four of their [the Hawks] first five games are on the road, [but] there is some home relief. The Hawks play the now-annual Christmas Day game in Sydney against the Kings, before returning to Wollongong for a four-game home stand. Three of the nine back-to-backs are also consecutive home games; a concession of a kind,” Uluc said.

“It [also] is a demanding close to the first half of the season [for the Bullets] - though it resolves directly into six consecutive home games on the other side.”

Uluc also explained that the New Zealand Breakers have two key home stretches in the middle of the season that they must take advantage of.

“There are two extended home stands in the Breakers' schedule - four games in December, and five games from late January through mid-February - so Gordie Herbert's team will get that slight advantage coming out of the holiday period,” Uluc said.

Uluc wasn’t the only expert to analyse the schedule, with CODE Sports’ Mick Randall also conducting a deep dive on Adelaide and South East Melbourne.

“The Sixers’ early schedule is challenging, with seven of their first 10 games on the road, including trips to Melbourne, then Perth, to tip off. [But] Adelaide avoids a lot of the savage schedule compression seen elsewhere around the League and generally receives decent recovery time throughout the season,” Randall said.

“The Phoenix’s fixture becomes increasingly difficult later in the season, particularly through a demanding road run involving Brisbane, Cairns and New Zealand.”

The full schedule, including game times, venues and broadcast details, is available now via the NBL App.

Fans are encouraged to sync their favourite team’s schedule and stay across NBL channels for ticket information and further announcements as the countdown to September begins.

‍>> FULL SCHEDULE | SYNC YOUR CALENDAR | DOWNLOAD NBL27 SCHEDULE PDF