Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 6

The round is highlighted with numerous double-headers and a top-of-the-table clash between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Meanwhile the Ignite Cup begins on Wednesday night with all eyes on the $400,000 of prize money up for grabs.

Pete Hooley looks at some key talking points for the round ahead.

The full schedule

Cairns Taipans v Perth Wildcats - Wednesday, October 22, 7.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Brisbane Bullets - Thursday, October 23, 5.30pm AEDT - Spark Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Sydney Kings - Thursday, October 23, 7.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v Melbourne United - Friday, October 24, 7.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Brisbane Bullets v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Saturday, October 25, 5.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v Illawarra Hawks - Saturday, October 25, 8pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v Adelaide 36ers - Sunday, October 26, 2.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings v Tasmania JackJumpers - Sunday, October 26, 4.30pm AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Perth’s redemption round

The Wildcats have a short turnaround from their disappointing round, where they lost two games by 17+ points.

John Rillie will be hoping the team is fired up as they head to Cairns to try and replicate the performance they had two weeks ago against the Taipans. With Dylan Windler ruled out, it gets even tougher for the Wildcats who are facing a lot of tough questions.

2 – Hawks' ‘lowest point’

Tyler Harvey called it the team’s "lowest point" after their 40-point loss to the Phoenix, as the reigning champions slumped to last place in the standings.

While Justin Tatum doesn’t seem to be in panic mode just yet, he’s calling on his team to find the hunger that they had last season and use that to fuel a comeback.

3- Phoenix defensive test

The Phoenix have a big chance to build off their win against the Hawks when they take on a Sydney team that has plenty of offensive talent.

Led by Kendric Davis, all eyes will be on how Josh King uses his defensive weapons to try and limit the star guard’s production. Does he take some learnings out of the way they didn’t defend Bryce Cotton last week?

4 – Top of the table clash

All eyes are on Sunday when Melbourne United welcome the Adelaide 36ers to town and try to remain undefeated on the season. It’s the toughest test to date for Dean Vickerman’s men, but their recent form would suggest they’ll rise to the occasion.

United will still be without Shea Ili, who has been crowned the ‘Bryce Cotton stopper’ through the years, which opens the door for the five-time MVP to continue his hot form.

5- Tasmania rested and ready  

Tasmania has played seven games this season and five of those have been away games, which showed in the recent results, where the team looked mentally and physically fatigued.

Since the poor loss in New Zealand, Scott Roth has been able to get plenty of rest into his team as they try to string some wins together before a big stand of home games in the next few rounds.