Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 10

The final round before the FIBA Break is highlighted with numerous double-headers, a clash of MVP candidates and a pair of blockbusters in Melbourne.

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

NBL Media looks at some key talking points for the round ahead.

The full schedule

Adelaide 36ers v Illawarra Hawks - Wednesday, November 19, 7.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Thursday, November 20, 7.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Melbourne United - Friday, November 21, 7.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Tasmania JackJumpers - Friday, November 21, 9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v New Zealand Breakers - Saturday, November 22, 5.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Adelaide 36ers - Saturday, November 22, 8pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v Sydney Kings - Sunday, November 23, 2.30pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats - Sunday, November 23, 4.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – MVP candidates clash

The competition's two top MVPs candidates, Bryce Cotton and JaVale McGee, will lock horns in an explosive Ignite Cup.

Five-time MVP Bryce Cotton is leading the league in scoring (27.4), while also posting career-high marks in assists (6.3) and steals (2.5).

Three-time NBA champion McGee is posting 21.8 points, 10.4 boards and 1.8 blocks per game for a Hawks team that have started to regain their mojo.

This also marks Adelaide's first ever Ignite Cup fixture, whereas Illawarra have split their two previous Wednesday night matches.

Adelaide v Illawarra: Wednesday, November 19 - 7.30pm AEDT.

2 – Championship Series rematch: Episode 2

Last seasons's Championship Series went the distance before the Hawks secured their second ever banner, on their home court.

The intensity of that series carried over into the pair's first rematch, which the Hawks won in a hostile affair in Wollongong.

With their no love loss between the two, especially at a venue that hasn't been a happy hunting ground for Dean Vickerman's side lately, this fixture has all the makings of a classic.

lllawarra v Melbourne: Friday, November 21 - 7.30pm AEDT.

3 – Phoenix's big test

South East Melbourne is enjoying one of the franchise's best ever starts to an NBL campaign, sitting in third with an 8-3 record.

Those three losses have come against the competition's top two sides, Melbourne (twice) and Adelaide (once).

Saturday's matchup, on their home floor, gives Josh King's side a chance to make a statement going into the FIBA Break.

South East Melbourne v Adelaide: Saturday, November 22 - 8pm AEDT.

4 – Streaking Sydney ready for revenge

The last time Sydney and Tasmania faced off, Nick Marshall hit a game-winner to secure the JackJumpers an improbable, comeback win at Qudos Bank Arena.

Since then, Tasmania has lost five straight games, while the Kings have rattled off four wins on the trot.

The JackJumpers, whose only home win from seven matches came against Sydney, know Brian Goorjian's side will be seeking revenge for that gut wrenching Round 6 defeat.

Tasmania v Sydney: Sunday, November 23 - 2.30pm AEDT.

5 – Giants collide at John Cain Arena

Sunday will mark the first time Melbourne and Perth have played since last season's dramatic Playoffs series, which United won in three games (after holding on by one point in the decider).

These two sides have plenty of history between, including facing off in both the 2019 and 2021 Championship Series'.

While Bryce Cotton won't be lining up for the Wildcats for the first time in nine seasons, Perth, which isat 5-2 on the road, still has plenty of firepower at its disposal, headlined by Kristian Doolittle, Dylan Windler and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, who will be facing his former side for the first time.

Not to be outdone are the 11-2 Melbourne United, featuring superstars Chris Goulding, Milton Doyle and Tyson Walker.

Melbourne v Perth: Sunday, November 23 - 4.30pm AEDT.