Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 9

The round is highlighted with numerous double-headers, Bryce versus Bryce in Tasmania and this season's first instalment of the Illawarra and Sydney rivalry.

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

Brisbane Bullets v New Zealand Breakers - Wednesday, November 12, 7.30pm AEDT - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v Adelaide 36ers - Thursday, November 13, 7.30pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Friday, November 14, 7.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets - Saturday, November 15, 5.30pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Perth Wildcats v New Zealand Breakers - Saturday, November 15, 8pm AEDT - RAC Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings - Sunday, November 16, 2.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v Cairns Taipans - Sunday, November 2, 4.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – The rivalry of all rivalries

There are some great rivalries in the NBL, but perhaps the Sydney and Illawarra battle sits above the rest.

Not only do these two teams not like each other, but they may just be the two hottest teams in the entire league after last round.

The defending champions have found a new life on the back of Will Hickey returning, while the Kings are thriving with Xavier Cooks leading from the front.

2 – Can the Breakers finish the job?

The New Zealand Breakers sit ninth in the standings with just three wins from 12 games.

Their actual play however hasn’t been reflective of their results, as the Breakers have led by double-figures in four of their nine losses.

That shows this team is capable of putting itself in a position to win and now just needs to dig deep and finish the job.

3 – Magnay the key

Tasmania’s marquee big man, Will Magnay, has scored in double figures just once across the team’s four game losing stretch.

While he has pulled down 10 rebounds twice, his production has been well down on his usual output, and the team is struggling to find a way.

When he’s healthy and firing, he’s arguably the best two-way big man in the league.

Head coach Scott Roth will be hoping that his star big man can lead from the front and get them back on the winners list this round.

4 – Mojave's time

The Taipans have had a rough start to the season and the major reason for that has been their lengthy injury list.

The silver lining of those injuries is that the Taipans have been able to bring in Mojave King as a replacement for the rest of the season.

The 23-year-old exploded for a career high 32-points last round and demonstrated that he’s going to take advantage of the opportunity he has this year.

5 – Brisbane's bogey team

The Brisbane Bullets come into their matchup with Melbourne feeling confident now that some key players have returned from injury.

However, if they want to take down the top team, they’ll have to create history.

In the last 15 meetings between these two teams, United have won 14 of them, with 10 of those being by 10 points or more.