Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 20

This eight-game slate features numerous blockbusters, headlined by two top four clashes at John Cain Arena.

All the action tips off on Thursday night with a double-header, which first sees New Zealand host South East Melbourne before Illawarra battles Adelaide.

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

The full schedule

New Zealand Breakers v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Thursday, February 5, 5.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Adelaide 36ers - Thursday, February 5, 7.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v Brisbane Bullets - Friday, February 6, 7.30pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Cairns Taipans - Friday, February 6, 9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Illawarra Hawks - Saturday, February 7, 5.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v Adelade 36ers - Saturday, February 7, 8pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Sydney Kings - Sunday, February 8, 2.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v Cairns Taipans - Sunday, February 8, 4.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Now or never

The Illawarra Hawks have two big opportunities this round to stay in the hunt for the post-season and it’s now or never, after their disappointing results last week. First, they welcome a wounded Adelaide 36ers team, who still sit top of the table, but aren’t playing their best basketball. The 36ers will be highly motivated following another week dominating headlines, but the task for the Hawks is simple – get it done. If they can get over the line against Adelaide, the Hawks will turn their attention to the Breakers and will fancy their chances against a New Zealand team that’s missing both starting big men due to injury.

2 – Perth keeps climbing

At one point in the season it looked as if the Perth Wildcats would be clinging onto fifth spot and happy to just be in the post-season, but that’s all changed of late. Not only are the Wildcats getting big wins, but they’re also playing their best basketball at the right time, and the confidence of this group is sky high. The backcourt duo of young local stars in Ben Henshall and Elijah Pepper have stepped up in recent weeks and providing some big plays when they need it the most. Combining that with the play of Kristian Doolittle, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Dylan Windler and there’s a strong case to be made that this is a championship-calibre team.

3- Potential Play-In preview?

While the Adelaide 36ers have to take on the Hawks prior to their game with Melbourne on Saturday night, the current form of both teams has this matchup as a potential Play-In preview. United are coming off a shock loss in New Zealand but had previously notched up their first consecutive win streak in some time prior to that. With Sydney and South East Melbourne both piling up the wins, the Ladder Predictor does show a high probability that the 36ers could drop to third and then play a Melbourne team in the first round of the Play-In.

4 – Two hottest teams face off

Sunday is set up to be the game of the season as both the Sydney Kings and South East Melbourne Phoenix are proving to be the leading championship contenders with three rounds to go. Both teams are elite on the defensive end and have incredible depth to help tick the scoreboard over. There is an MVP matchup to watch between Kendric Davis and Nathan Sobey. There’s a battle for the Coach of the Year leading contenders and also a Best Sixth Man showdown between Kouat Noi and Angus Glover.

5- Karim’s showcase

With Sam Mennenga and Rob Baker II both out for the season, Next Star Karim Lopez hasn’t just taken the extra opportunity, he’s thrived with it. The Mexican teenager has been ultra-aggressive and showing his full skillset on both ends of the floor. As the Breakers try to climb into an unlikely post-season appearance, Lopez also continues to impress NBA scouts as he gets closer to his dream with every week that passes by.