NBL Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 8

NBL • November 5th, 2025 5:16 pm

The big storylines heading into Round 8, including the second Throwdown of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season and Bryce Cotton's first match against Perth.

The round is highlighted with numerous double-headers, a blockbuster Throwdown and five-time MVP Bryce Cotton playing his first match against the Perth Wildcats.

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.

Talking points

1 – Melbourne's response

It was the first taste of defeat for the season for Dean Vickerman’s men, and they don’t get to dwell on it for very long, with an Ignite Cup clash against the defending champions waiting.

What makes this game even more intriguing is the fact that United go into a hostile environment against a team that is both desperate to get a win and would love nothing more than to inflict more pain on the ladder-leaders.

2 – Can we get an encore?

We had been asking to see a response from both the New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans for some time and last round we got just that. Both teams are coming off impressive wins and now have proven to themselves that they can stand up and deliver.

While no game in this NBL season is ever a given, both Petteri Koponen and Adam Forde will be hoping this can spark a level of confidence for their teams going forward.

3 – JackJumpers' important round

The Tasmania JackJumpers are limping towards the FIBA break and David Johnson’s return couldn’t come any sooner. After two shock losses last round, Scott Roth is looking for answers from his team to get back on track before the help comes.

First is a matchup against the defensive beasts in Josh King’s Phoenix, before welcoming a Brisbane team into MyState Bank Arena. The first of those games is in the Silverdome, which the home team is hoping can change the course of history at this venue.

4 – Victoria's hottest team

There is perhaps no better time for the two Victorian teams to meet, with all eyes on Saturday’s big Throwdown. Both teams play a game prior to this matchup, but you can throw history out the window when it comes to this rivalry, as tensions will boil over and only one team can come out on top.

Many are now saying that the Phoenix are the biggest title threat to United’s chances, so add that to all the spice from all the external noise – and this will be fun.

5 – Chapter 1: "Return of the King"

Bryce Cotton’s return to Perth is getting closer by the game, but first he welcomes his former side to Adelaide for the first time.

The five-time MVP will be as locked in as he has ever been in this one, to not only get a win, but to make sure he is the one to deliver the knockout blow to the Wildcats.

The full schedule

Illawarra Hawks v Melbourne United - Wednesday, November 5, 7.30pm AEDT - WIN Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

New Zealand Breakers v Adelaide 36ers - Thursday, November 6, 5.30pm AEDT - Wolfbrook Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v South East Melbourne Phoenix - Thursday, November 6, 7.30pm AEDT - Silverdome
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Cairns Taipans v Illawarra Hawks - Friday, November 7, 7.30pm AEDT - Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Tasmania JackJumpers v Brisbane Bullets - Saturday, November 8, 5.30pm AEDT - MyState Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Melbourne United - Saturday, November 8, 8pm AEDT - John Cain Arena
Watch: ESPN | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide 36ers v Perth Wildcats - Sunday, November 9, 2.30pm AEDT - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers - Sunday, November 9, 4.30pm AEDT - Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: ESPN and Channel 10 | Scores and stats: Game Centre

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NBL Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 8

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