Starting 5: NBL set to Ignite, rising stars and undefeated records

This nine-game slate features two Ignite Cup blockbusters, renewed rivalries and a long-awaited return home for Illawarra.

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All the action tips off on Wednesday night with an Ignite Cup double-header from 5.30pm AEST, as New Zealand starts its title defence against Cairns.

Courtney Ward takes a look at some of the key storylines ahead of Round 3.

>> Ignite Cup, NBL27: Schedule, tickets, rules & more

The full schedule

New Zealand Breakers v Cairns Taipans - Wednesday, September 30, 5.30pm AEST - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Brisbane Bullets - Wednesday, September 30, 7.30pm AEST - Afterpay Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United - Thursday, October 1, 7.30pm AEST - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Adelaide 36ers - Friday, October 2, 7.30pm AEST - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Friday, October 2, 9.30pm AEST - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Tasmania JackJumpers - Saturday, October 3, 5.30pm AEST - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN, 9Go! and 9Now | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans - Saturday, October 3, 7.30pm AEST - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN, 9, 9Go! and 9Now | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Illawarra Hawks - Sunday, October 4, 3pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v New Zealand Breakers - Sunday, October 4, 5pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Record-breaking Ignite Cup tips off

‍After a sensational debut season during Hungry Jack's NBL26, the Ignite Cup, presented by 7-Eleven, tips off on Wednesday as the defending champions New Zealand host Cairns at Spark Arena.

With more money than ever before ($550,000), teams are more incentivised to win these games, as the results go towards both the regular season and in-season tournament standings.

And with both the Breakers and Taipans sitting at 1-2 heading into the fixture, the pressure is starting to mount on the two sides to kickstart their campaigns.

>> Ignite Cup, NBL27: Schedule, tickets, rules & more

2 – First test for undefeated duo

The second game of the opening-night Ignite Cup double-header sees the Sydney Kings host the Brisbane Bullets at Afterpay Arena.

The two sides remain the League's only undefeated outfits, both sitting at 2-0, having easily accounted for Cairns and Illawarra, and New Zealand and Illawarra, respectively.

Now the two early front-runners, led by their elite point guards Kendric Davis and Arnas Velicka, will face off in each side's first real challenge.

3 – No excuses for Hawks

As coach Justin Tatum has commented, the Hawks have had a tough schedule to open the season, being on the road during the opening two rounds.

Now, sitting in 10th with a 0-3 record, Illawarra finally returns to the WIN Entertainment Centre to play in front of its loyal 'HawkHeads'.

While the challenge in itself will be tough, with Adelaide rolling into town, at least the Hawks will be in a familiar environment as they look to chalk up their first win of the campaign.

4 – Perth's revenge game

Despite a lack of point guards, the Perth Wildcats took care of business in Round 2, defeating both Adelaide and New Zealand at RAC Arena.

They will look to make it three straight wins on their home court on Friday night against South East Melbourne, the only team to beat John Rillie's side in NBL27.

The key for the Wildcats, who are sweating on the fitness of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (calf), will be withstanding the Phoenix's defensive pressure and guarding their three-point shooters, with South East Melbourne desperate to bounce back after last Thursday's loss to Melbourne.

5 – Rising stars ascend

While the headlines have, rightfully so, been dominated by the League's incredible guard crop, a number of the country's local rising stars have been performing at a high level.

From Perth duo Elijah Pepper and Anthony Dell'Orso to Brisbane's Max Mackinnon and Tasmania's Taran Armstrong, all have been crucial to their sides' early-season success.

These four, among others, have every chance to become the faces of the NBL in the coming seasons, so watch this space.