Rucker's huge Championship Series call

The Hungry Jack's NBL26 season may only be nine rounds old but one former MVP has already made his predictions for the Championships Series.

During Monday's episode of Moments That Mattered, presented by Mitsubishi Motors, Derek Rucker said he believes a Melbourne United and Adelaide Championship Series is "on the cards".

"Adelaide are obviously an outstanding team and I think they're going to be in the Championship Series," Rucker said on Moments That Mattered, presented by Mitsubishi Motors.

"That [Sunday] probably wasn't the full level of that Adelaide team [either] because Troy Brown Jr. just arrived and sometimes when you get a new player into the lineup [there]s an adjustment period].

"After seeing him play, it's probably swayed me a little bit to think that this was a very good move, as opposed to just a good move.

"Adelaide have a lot of versatility and athleticism, and it feels like an Adelaide and Melbourne Championship Series is on the cards.

"I know Melbourne didn't look great against Brisbane at times but we know they always find ways to keep themselves energised and motivated [during the regular season]."

Heading into Round 10, United (11-2) and the 36ers (9-3) sit first and second on the ladder and in terms of offensive rating.

In the final round before the FIBA Break, United plays at Illawarra and hosts Perth, while the 36ers take on the Hawks in Adelaide before travelling to Melbourne to battle the Phoenix.

All of those matches will be broadcast live on ESPN.