Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 16

Round 16 is here and so is another exciting weekend of hoops

It all begins in on Wednesday night with an Ignite Cup clash between Melbourne United and the Cairns Taipans at Bendigo's Red Energy Arena.

This will tipoff an thrilling eight-game slate in Round 16.

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

The full schedule

Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans - Wednesday, January 7, 7.30pm AEDT - Red Energy Arena (Bendigo)
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Illawarra Hawks - Thursday, January 8, 7.30pm AEDT - State Basketball Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Sydney Kings - Friday, January 9, 5.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v Tasmania JackJumpers - Friday, January 9, 7.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v Brisbane Bullets - Saturday, January 10, 5.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Perth Wildcats - Saturday, January 10, 8pm AEDT - State Basketball Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v New Zealand Breakers - Sunday, January 11, 2.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Melbourne United - Sunday, January 11, 4.30pm AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – The Hawks’ big opportunity

The Illawarra Hawks are charging towards what looked to be an unlikely playoff position just a few weeks ago, but now they face their biggest test yet.

After convincing wins last round, the Hawks must travel to take on one of the toughest teams in the league in the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

With key players returning from injury and some rotational changes, this looks to be a completely different team than the one who struggled early in NBL26.

This game against the Phoenix may be the answer to many questions going forward.

2 – Can Tasmania measure up?

Much like the Hawks, the JackJumpers are a very different proposition when they’re healthy and playing their hard-nosed style of basketball.

After a big win over United, Scott Roth’s team now travel to Adelaide and try to take down the championship favourites.

Led by the five-time MVP and an exceptional supporting cast, this 36ers team is a tough beat and if the JackJumpers can find a way to get it done, perhaps it’s time people start to take them serious.

3- Wildcats on the clock

With the tough news of David Duke Jr’s injury being worse than initially expected, the Perth Wildcats are now on the clock for a replacement.

Many fans and experts have been calling on the Wildcats to find a high-level point guard, capable of running this team and helping maximise the potential of the rest of the squad.

With the talent already on this roster and the glimpses of high-quality play we have seen, this signing could be the difference in their championship hopes.

4 – Edwards’ ideal round to find form

It’s unfair to put Melbourne United’s struggles solely on the back of one player, because their form is by no means Jesse Edwards’ fault, however they’re a different team when he’s on the floor and contributing.

Since the FIBA Break ended, United’s big man has not recorded a double-digit rebounding performance and has been beaten in his individual matchups.

As the anchor of their defensive identity, it’s crucial that they can use these next two favourable matchups to his advantage and get him back to his best.

5 - Different motivations

The harsh reality of sport is that only one team can win it all and only one team can finish last.

The two Queensland teams will be battling out the latter in an important game this round for many reasons.

One on hand you have both teams trying to avoid the wooden spoon, which the Taipans currently hold, but on the other you have players looking to prove themselves for a future contract.

Just because finals basketball might not be possible, don’t write off both of these teams to cause a couple of upsets down the stretch.