Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 5

The round is highlighted with numerous double-headers and a clash between old foes, Sydney and Perth.

Meanwhile the Ignite Cup begins on Wednesday night with all eyes on the $400,000 of prize money up for grabs.

Pete Hooley looks at some key talking points for the round ahead.

The full schedule

Tasmania JackJumpers v Sydney Kings - Wednesday, October 15, 7.30pm AEDT - MyState Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Brisbane Bullets - Wednesday, October 15, 9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Thursday, October 16, 7.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Tasmania JackJumpers - Friday, October 17, 5.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN and Sky Sports | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Melbourne United - Friday, October 17, 7.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v Adelaide 36ers - Saturday, October 18, 5.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Illawarra Hawks - Saturday, October 18, 8pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v New Zealand Breakers - Sunday, October 19, 2.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Perth Wildcats - Sunday, October 19, 4.30pm AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – One Bryce down, one to go
‍The Sydney Kings did what many teams have failed to do - contain Bryce Cotton and keep him to single figures. Now they move on to Bryce Hamilton, try to keep the Tasmania star quiet. With the key injuries around this JackJumpers team, a lot of their winning hopes will rely on Hamilton, who will have his work cut out for him with Bul Kuol and Jaylin Galloway taking the assignment.

2 – Cotton's bounceback
‍As mentioned above, it's essentially a solar eclipse to see the five-time MVP held to single digits. It was just the 12th time in 262 career games that Cotton has been held below 10 points. We've seen him put up some big numbers, but he will be even more motivated to put last week's loss behind him and lead from the front.

3 - United's stress free round or trap game?
‍Melbourne United sit on top of the standings with an unblemished record and look to be the team to beat in NBL26. Based on everything we have seen to begin this season, Dean Vickerman's squad should be setting up for two stress-free wins this round against the Bullets and Breakers. However, how many times have we seen a team go into a game believing that, and then they walk away with a shock loss?

4 – Playoff re-match
‍The Phoenix will host the Hawks, who ended their championship hopes last season, as they look to continue to build on their good start to the season. Josh King's men have only played three games so far, so even he is still learning what this team's ceiling could be. They add Wes Iwundu to the roster now and will be hoping he can add more defensive pressure to an already strong defensive team.

5- Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. to continue his feast
‍The round ends with a blockbuster game in Sydney, as the Kings host the Perth Wildcats who are led by Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. The marquee big man has been virtually unstoppable to begin the season and now comes up against a Kings team that is shallow in the center position, which could lead to another big day out.