Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 19

This nine-game slate features numerous blockbusters, headlined by Wednesday's two thrilling Ignite Cup fixtures and Saturday's top-of-the-table clash.

All the action tips off on Wednesday night, with an Ignite Cup double-header, starting on the Gold Coast when Brisbane hosts Adelaide before Perth takes on South East Melbourne.

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

The full schedule

Brisbane Bullets v Adelaide 36ers - Wednesday, January 28, 7.30pm AEDT - Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Wednesday, January 28, 7.30pm AEDT - State Basketball Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Illawarra Hawks- Thursday, January 29, 7.30pm AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Melbourne United - Friday, January 30, 5.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v Tasmania JackJumpers - Friday, January 30, 7.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelade 36ers v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Saturday, January 31, 5.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Perth Wildcats - Saturday, January 31, 8pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v New Zealand Breakers - Sunday, February 1, 2.30pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v Sydney Kings - Sunday, February 1, 4.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Ignite Cup on the line

Wednesday night’s double-header will decide which two teams book their ticket to the Gold Coast and a chance to play off for $400,000. While the Adelaide 36ers just want to solidify their place on top of the regular season ladder, they also understand that extracting maximum points out of their game against Brisbane, will put them into the Final. The second game features the Wildcats and Phoenix, who both could have a shot to make it to the final, albeit it won’t be easy. If Perth can somehow win every quarter against South East Melbourne and finish the game with a strong enough point differential, they’ll give themselves a chance.

2 – Everything to play for in the oldest rivalry

Any time the Sydney Kings take on the Illawarra Hawks, it’s must-see TV for a variety of reasons. This game on Thursday will have even more riding on it when you consider where both teams currently sit in the standings. The Sydney Kings want to push for a top two spot and taking care of business against the Hawks will help that, considering Adelaide and South East Melbourne play each other this round. For the Hawks, they simply need to keep winning to give themselves a chance to make it to sixth and they’re arguably playing their best and most consistent basketball of the season right now.

3- Melbourne building back piece by piece

After Melbourne United dropped six of their first eight games after the FIBA Break, they look to have things back on track as they seek their fourth straight win. On the back of some clutch plays from Milton Doyle and a monster game from Jesse Edwards, United went over to Perth and scraped out an important one-point win. This team looks set to be at full strength soon, with the impending return of Shea Ili and perhaps his inclusion is exactly what they need to get back to their early season form.

4 – Top two, take two

Just two weeks ago we were treated to a top two battle at HoopsFest and what was one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. However, when Nathan Sobey was ruled out many people believed that the 36ers would flex their muscle and dominate Josh King’s team. The result couldn’t have been more incorrect, as the Phoenix ran way 19-point winners and never looked threatened. On Saturday night we get to see these two powerhouses lock horns once again, where Adelaide wants revenge and the Phoenix want top spot.

5- Season on the line

With Tasmania currently in the box seat for sixth spot, it’s New Zealand who have the next best chance to jump up in the next few weeks. This game could be the final tipping point for one of these teams as a loss could be the beginning of the end for either. Can Tasmania find a way, even with their big injury list, to hang on and make it to the post-season? Or will the Breakers, led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright, step up and continue their strong record against the JackJumpers in NBL26?

‍