Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 21

This seven-game slate features numerous blockbusters, headlined by Sunday's top four battle between Sydney and Perth at Qudos Bank Arena.

All the action tips off on Thursday night with the Taipans hosting Melbourne United at the Cairns Convention Centre.

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

The full schedule

Cairns Taipans v Melbourne United - Thursday, February 12, 7.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings - Frirday, February 12, 7.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Brisbane Bullets - Friday, February 12, 9.30pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v New Zealand Breakers - Saturday, February 14, 5.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Tasmania JackJumpers - Saturday, February 14, 8pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks - Sunday, February 15, 2.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Perth Wildcats - Sunday, February 15, 4.30pm AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Melbourne’s annual Cairns Tax

Over the last eight years, Melbourne United have consistently beat the Cairns Taipans in the season series, however they usually always have a game or two they drop to the Snakes that they shouldn’t. For United, they’d be hoping it was their Ignite Cup game a month ago, where the Taipans beat them by one point. However, with all the pressure on Melbourne to respond after last round, could Cairns smell blood in the water? With Jack McVeigh and Andrew Andrews playing at a high level, the Taipans will be feeling quietly confident they can get one more win before the season is over.

2 – Ending the season the right way

It’s been a disappointing season for the Hawks, yet they still have an opportunity to finish the season on a positive note. The oldest and fiercest rivalry in the league will once again be on display this round and that alone will give the Hawks enough motivation to come out swinging. The Sydney Kings are the best team in the league as it stands and the chance to put a small dent in their hopes to finish first, would no doubt give the Illawarra faithful something to smile about.

3 – Get it done

The Adelaide 36ers were back on the winners' list last weekend and found themselves back on top of the table with two rounds remaining. Their impressive win over Melbourne United would have taken some pressure off the team, after a rough couple of weeks. Now the task for Adelaide is simple as they face New Zealand this weekend – get it done. While this is a preview of the Ignite Cup final, the 36ers simply need to get a win and give themselves the best possible chance of finishing top of the table.

4 – Fired up Phoenix

The Phoenix have been in the headlines all week, fore more reasons than just their disappointing second half against Sydney. When something like this occurs, the team that hates it the most is the opposition in the upcoming game. Not only will the Phoenix come out hungry to get a big win after a poor loss, but their collective emotions about what transpired on the court will have them fired up.

5 - The one to watch

While the Sydney Kings are the clear championship favourite right now, having won 14 of their last 16, the Perth Wildcats are flying under the radar. Led by Kristian Doolittle, this Wildcats team is playing their best basketball of the season and have the self-belief to make a deep Finals run. This game will be a big test to see where they stand, coming up against the deepest and arguably most talented team in the entire competition. Not only that, but the Wildcats want to finish in the top four and the Kings want to finish top. It is all to play for.