Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 18

After a hugely successful 2026 HoopsFest in Perth, the NBL's eyes quickly move onto a blockbuster Round 18.

This 10-game slate features numerous blockbusters, headlined by Sunday's showdowns between Sydney and Adelaide, as well as Perth and Melbourne.

All the action tips off on Wednesday night, with an Ignite Cup double-header, starting in Bendigo between United and the Bullets, before South East Melbourne and New Zealand lock horns.

Pete Hooley takes a look at some of those key moments to watch out for.

The full schedule

Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets - Wednesday, January 21, 5.30pm AEDT - Red Energy Arena (Bendigo)
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v New Zealand Breakers - Wednesday, January 21, 7.30pm AEDT - State Basketball Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Tasmania JackJumpers - Thursday, January 22, 7.30pm AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Cairns Taipans - Thursday, January 22, 9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Adelaide 36ers - Friday, January 23, 5.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Cairns Taipans - Saturday, January 24, 5.30pm AEDT - State Basketball Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v Illawarra Hawks - Saturday, January 24, 8pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Adelaide 36ers - Sunday, January 25, 2.30pm AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United - Sunday, January 25, 4.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Illawarra Hawks - Monday, January 26, 7.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Eyes on the $400,000 prize

Wednesday night’s Ignite Cup double-header will likely give us a much clearer picture of who could book their place on the Gold Coast and have a shot at winning the biggest prize pool in league history.

Melbourne United and the Brisbane Bullets are both still in the hunt, although it may be unlikely because of results from other teams.

The ramifications really heat up in the second game with the Phoenix hosting the Breakers at the State Basketball Centre.

New Zealand is yet to taste defeat in the Ignite Cup and could book their place in the final with a strong showing here, while the Phoenix need to continue to collect crucial points with two games remaining for them.

2 - Torrey Craig returns

The last time we saw Torrey Craig play in the NBL, he finished with 30 points and 18 rebounds when playing for the Brisbane Bullets in 2017.

Since that, the dynamic two-way forward has gone on to provide a big spark to his teams in the NBA and now returns to fill an important role for the Sydney Kings.

The 35-year-old gives Sydney yet another offensive threat, but also a strong and athletic defender who has the versatility to guard anyone.

3 - Adelaide’s response

The Adelaide 36ers still sit on top of the standings and in the box seat to secure home court advantage throughout the entire post-season.

However, heading into this round this team faces a different dilemma and something they have not had to face all season and that’s avoid a three-game losing streak.

Mike Wells’ team has only lost six games thus far, but they are coming off back-to-back losses and need to get back on track quickly.

When you are the top dog, everyone gives you their best shot and that’s precisely what is happening to the 36ers who need to figure out their new rotations with import John Jenkins now in the rotation.

4 - Ladder implications

By the end of Sunday’s games, we will start to see a much clearer picture of how the ladder could finish at the end of the regular season.

First, it’s the Adelaide 36ers looking to try and cement their place on top, while the Sydney Kings fight to reach second position and avoid the Play-In Tournament.

The Kings and 36ers have produced some fireworks in their games this season and expect nothing less here with so much on the line.

Following this game it’s the Perth Wildcats hosting Melbourne United, again with a lot on the line.

It looks as if one of these teams will find themselves with a double chance in the Play-In, while the other could drop to fifth and face a single elimination game against either Tasmania or New Zealand.

5 - An old rivalry reignites

Anytime the Wildcats face United, history tells us to expect a close finish and a heated battle.

While this may not be the oldest or fiercest rivalry around the league, it has increasingly become stronger due to both clubs’ success and battles in big games.

It was only last season where many dubbed it “the greatest game of all time,” when Perth narrowly went down to United in Game 3 of the Playoffs.

With Jo Lual-Acuil facing his former team and Chris Goulding playing game 500, what will this have in store?