Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 12

Round 12 of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season is highlighted by a top-of-the-table clash in Adelaide anda crucial fixture in Perth, between the Wildcats and Kings.

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

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Tasmania JackJumpers - Wednesday, December 10, 7.30pm AEDT - Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Brisbane Bullets - Thursday, December 11, 7.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v Melbourne United- Friday, December 12, 7.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings - Friday, December 12, 9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v Tasmania JackJumpers - Saturday, December 13, 5.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v New ZealandBreakers- Saturday, December 13, 8pm AEDT - Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v Sydney Kings - Sunday, December 14, 2.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Perth Wildcats - Sunday, December 14, 4.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – United's double test

After being the team to beat through 10 rounds this season, Melbourne United have stumbled after the FIBA Break, dropping two games by double digits. It doesn’t get any easier for them to try and get back on track, with a visit to Adelaide on Friday and then welcoming Sydney on Sunday. This is a big Round 11 test for Dean Vickerman’s team to see if they’re the championship favourite’s many believe them to be.

2 – New Zealand’s measuring stick

The New Zealand Breakers have quietly snuck into the top six and will be hoping to cement their place there this weekend. It will not be an easy proposition however, as they travel to Melbourne to take on the Phoenix who just put United to the sword on Sunday. They’re playing their best basketball of the year and are led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright’s brilliance, but will that be enough against an elite defensive unit?

3 – JLA’s time

It looked to be a frustrating day for Wildcats big man Jo Lual-Acuil Jr on Sunday, despite the marquee star putting up 19 points in the game. While he’s scored 18 or more in four straight games, he would be well aware that Isaac Humphries got the better of him in their direct matchup and will be ready to make a statement this weekend.

4 – Top spot battle

All eyes will be on Friday night, as the 36ers look set to flex their muscle against United, who will be hoping to leapfrog them back to first on the ladder. Bryce Cotton and the 36ers are riding the momentum of their incredible comeback in Perth and according to Isaac Humphries, the belief to win a championship has never been stronger. The last time these two teams met, it came down to a DJ Vasiljevic three that rimmed out and gave United a big win at home. What is in store this time?

5 – Delly’s return

The Sydney Kings went from a team that looked to have figured it all out, winning four straight and two of those by over 20 points, to suffering back-to-back losses and searching for answers. Thankfully for Brian Goorjian, Matthew Dellavedova is set to return after missing time with an illness and it couldn’t come at a more important time for Sydney. The Kings travel to Perth on Friday night and then head to Melbourne on Sunday and they’ll need every bit of their veteran leader for this double header.