Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 7

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.

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

The full schedule

Tasmania JackJumpers v Perth Wildcats - Wednesday, October 29, 7.30pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Cairns Taipans- Thursday, October 30, 7.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v New Zealand Breakers - Friday, October 31, 7.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v Cairns Taipans - Saturday, November 1, 5.30pm AEDT - Silverdome
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Sydney Kings - Saturday, November 1, 8pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Perth Wildcats - Sunday, November 2, 2.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v Illawarra Hawks - Sunday, November 2, 4.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v Sydney Kings - Monday, November 3, 7.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Hawks ready to build

The defending champions got back on the winners list with a gritty win in Perth, and it could be just what is needed to turn their season around.

The Hawks found themselves at their “lowest point” last week, according to Tyler Harvey, and with QJ Peterson reportedly locked in as their newest signing, it’s time to stack the wins.

The Hawks will face New Zealand at home on Friday, before heading to Adelaide in a round they hope will continue build momentum.

2 – Phoenix to flex their muscle

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have quietly put together an incredibly hot start to the season, as Josh King’s team sits second behind their city rival.

Led by Nathan Sobey, who has been sensational, the Phoenix are doing it all on the back of their elite defensive identity.

Recent history tells us that if you are a top defensive team in the league, you’ll be right in the mix come the business end of the season.

3 – Cooks to set tone

The former MVP is in the spotlight, as this star-studded Sydney team sits with just three wins in eight games to begin the season. Xavier Cooks is coming off two of the lowest performing games of his career and the outside noise is getting louder because of the Kings’ struggles.

Damon Lowery spoke on Overtime about how the two new guards must help out their superstar forward and get him the ball.

With two massive games this round for the Kings, I expect to see Cooks lead from the front and bounce back after a tough couple of weeks.

4 – Adelaide's response

The 36ers have only suffered one previous loss before their heartbreaker to United, so we have only had one chance to see how they respond the following game.

After their 24-point loss to Sydney, the 36ers came out and put the Phoenix to the sword, coming away with a 17-point win. Now they turn their attention to the Illawarra Hawks, who are starting to build some positive play after a slow start. Can Mike Wells have this team primed to send another message?

5 – Cup eve classic

Melbourne United get a chance to stand alone with the best start to a season in their club’s history on Monday night, as they currently sit equal with their 2016 team.

The Sydney Kings come to town to try and stop this unbeaten start from their rival and usually when these two teams meet, there are fireworks.

It’s also Matthew Dellavedova’s first game back in front of his old United fans, which should see his competitive edge reach boiling point.