Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 3

NBL Expert Pete Hooley takes a look at some of the biggest storylines for Round 3 and what you need to keep an eye on.

The full schedule

Cairns Taipans v Adelaide 36ers - Thursday, October 2, 7.30pm AEST - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Illawarra Hawks - Thursday, October 2, 9.30pm AEST - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v New Zealand Breakers - Saturday, October 4, 5.30pm AEST - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Tasmania JackJumpers - Saturday, October 4, 8pm AEST - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

NBAxNBL game

New Orleans Pelicans v Melbourne United - Friday, October 3, 2025 - 7.30pm AEST - Rod Laver Arena
Watch: Amazon Prime Video | 10 Drama | NBA League Pass

New Orleans Pelicans v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Sunday, October 5, 2025 - 2pm AEDT - Rod Laver Arena
Watch: Amazon Prime Video | 10 | NBA League Pass

Talking points

1 – Million-dollar matchup
Jack McVeigh and Bryce Cotton will meet on Thursday night as two of the highest paid players in the league, both looking to extend their team’s winning streak.

McVeigh was exceptional across the two wins last round for the Taipans, as he did a little bit of everything and put the league on notice that he’s worth every cent he’s being paid.

In a surprise to absolutely no one, Cotton picked up where he left off with 39 points on debut for Adelaide, leading them to a win. Cotton has been very vocal in recent years about Cairns being his favourite away venue to play in the NBL, so watch the scoreboard.

2 – JaVale and JLA lock horns
Jo Lual-Acuil Jr kept tight-lipped during a press conference earlier this week, putting aside the individual battle between him and JaVale McGee. While both superstars are focused on getting a win for their team, we’ll be locked into this intriguing matchup to see who comes out on top.

They play the same position, but their styles are completely different. Lual-Acuil Jr likes to put the ball on the floor like a guard, despite his 7-foot frame. McGee put up historic numbers last weekend in his NBL debut and will be hoping for more support from the rest of his team to get the Hawks on the board this season.

3 – Cooks’ opportunity to lead from the front
Sydney may have lost their opening game to the Taipans, but all the noise after that loss was about the 27 field goal attempts from Kendric Davis and the lack of production from Xavier Cooks.

Anytime you bring in big pieces like Davis and Matthew Dellavedova, it takes time to gel as a unit. But expect Cooks to bounce back in a big way against a struggling Breakers team. This is a former MVP we are talking about, and he has a significant individual advantage to exploit in this game.

4 – Bryce is up for the challenge
Tasmania has been hit with yet another two injuries to begin the season, on top of the blow they suffered with Sean Macdonald in the pre-season.

With David Johnson and Majok Deng sidelined, more responsibility falls on the shoulders of Bryce Hamilton to deliver, and the star import has shown through three games that he’s ready to do just that.

Hamilton has had no issues putting up big numbers against some of the league’s best defenders already, and with an injury cloud hanging over Sam McDaniel, he may be looking at another big night.

5 – Pelicans make history
The two Melbourne teams will be aiming to create further history this weekend when they face the New Orleans Pelicans on home soil.

Not only is this a first for Australian basketball, but both United and the Phoenix will be hoping to upset their NBA opponents and send a message to the world.

Then there’s Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, who both look fit and ready to start their season preparations the right way.