Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 15

Round 15 is here and so is ax exciting new year of hoops.

It all begins in on Wednesday night with an Ignite Cup double-header, tipping off in Wollongong as the Hawks host Tasmania.

That will be followed by Cairns' clash with South East Melbourne, in what will get underway an bumper nine-game round.

Pete Hooley takes a look at some of those key moments to watch out for.

The full schedule

Illawarra Hawks v Tasmania JackJumpers- Wednesday, December 31, 5.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Wednesday, December 31, 8pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Perth Wildcats - Thursday, January 1, 7.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v Sydney Kings - Friday, January 2, 7.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Cairns Taipans - Saturday, January 3, 5.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United - Saturday, January 3, 8pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Perth Wildcats - Sunday, January 4, 2.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Adelaide 36ers - Sunday, January 4, 4.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Monday, January 5, 7.30pm AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Ending the year with a bang

What a year it has been and we round out 2025 with an Ignite Cup double-header with plenty on the line. When Tasmania visits Illawarra, not only will the JackJumpers have a chance to get one step closer to the Ignite Cup Final, but they also need to hold onto their place in the top six and create some distance from those chasing them. One of those teams chasing them is the Hawks, who now continue to incorporate Sam Froling into the lineup and try to build.The next game will feature the Taipans, who are out of contention, against a Phoenix team who have arguably the best chance of making it to the Gold Coast. Adam Forde’s men have to try and stop a hungry Phoenix team who look to avenge their loss in Tasmania.

2 – Perth’s make-or-break round

While there is still just under half a season to play, it feels as if this is a make-or-break round for the Perth Wildcats. It starts with a trip to Brisbane to play a spirited Bullets team, but one who have struggled to find a way to win. Then it finishes with a game in New Zealand against a motivated Breakers outfit. There are no easy games in the NBL, but this is a good opportunity for the Wildcats to build some confidence.

3 – Familiar faces

Melbourne United and Tasmania tipped off the NBL26 season almost three months ago and their first rematch came last week in an open-air spectacular. After such a big break between the first two games, these two teams will fight it out again this round and then in two weeks during HoopsFest. History tells us that we will get some incredibly exciting contests between these two and the chess game from both coaches will be an interesting watch.

4 – The obstacle in Adelaide’s way

The Adelaide 36ers are flying and look to have the best chance to win a championship since they lost the Grand Final Series in 2018 to Melbourne. As good as they have been so far, they seem to have found their bogey team in the Sydney Kings, who have caused the, significant trouble in the first two games they’ve played. What answers does Mike Wells and his team have this time? How can they loosen the vice grip that is Bul Kuol on Bryce Cotton? It’s the last test for Adelaide to overcome to prove to the league that they’re legitimately the team to beat this season.

5 – Defensive masterclass

The league’s two best defensive teams will lock horns to end the round, and something’s got to give. The Sydney Kings are flying, and while they are being led by Kendric Davis’ brilliant offensive play, it’s their defensive intensity which has put them in the position they’re in. That play style is exactly what Josh King preaches every day to his Phoenix team and the reason they’re in the top two on the standings. What will be fascinating to watch in this game, is whether either team decides to loosen that up slightly and try to get an answer offensively. In the end, only one team can come out on top.