Every game in focus (round 16

Each week of the Hungry Jack’s NBL25 season, we’ll be previewing the big games, the big names and all the important talking points.

Check out the Round 16 Part 2 preview below.

Don’t forget that every game of the NBL25 season will be broadcast live on ESPN.

New Zealand vs Melbourne

When: Monday 13th January – 5:30pm AEDT
Where: TSB Stadium
Regard: Live on ESPN via Kayo | New Zealand: ESPN, TVNZ+ | International
Results: Download the free NBL app

Pay attention to: Melbourne picked up a big win over Sydney in the last round and will be looking to gain some distance in second place. It wasn’t that long ago that United traveled to New Zealand and, after some incredible shooting, claimed a huge victory Rob Loe. After losing five of seven games, United still have some tough away games ahead of them before they return to the John Cain Arena in early February.

For the Breakers, they will take some confidence from how they finished their game in Illawarra on Saturday. After a big early deficit, the Breakers stuck to the task and scored 30 points in the fourth quarter, making the final result look much more respectable. With one game left before their star guard returns from suspension, can they involve their home crowd and claim victory?

Players to Watch: Jack White was back to his best against Sydney, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The connection between White’s aggressiveness in attack and United’s victory is obvious, as this attitude makes them look much better. Shea Ili was the catalyst defensively after holding Jaylen Adams to just seven points and filling those up himself offensively.

The exciting teenager Next Star, Karim Lopezcontinues to show why he will be a top pick in the 2026 draft. It’s not just the highlights that Lopez produces, but also his ability to influence the game off the ball that excites NBA scouts. Matt Mooney was sensational in this route even without it Parker Jackson Cartwright and does it both on the scoreboard and as a presenter.

The statistics: Melbourne ranks first in the league in assists this season (21.2).

Missing: Parker Jackson Cartwright is off (locked). Mojave King is outside (calf).

Adelaide vs Illawarra

When: Monday 13th January – 7:30pm AEDT
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Regard: Live on ESPN via Kayo | International
Results: Download the free NBL app

Pay attention to: After the 36ers’ shock loss in Tasmania, their season is on the line for every game they play now. Unfortunately for them, the ranked Hawks are coming to town looking for revenge for their first two meetings this season. At half-time on Friday it looked like Adelaide were in control of the game, but strong resistance from the JackJumpers, coupled with some errors from the 36ers, saw Adelaide miss a great opportunity.

With the exception of the 36ers, who they beat in their last two games, the Hawks have had the numbers of every player this season. For the team many believe to be the best in the competition, it will not go down well that they have failed to beat Adelaide at all this season. A win for Illawarra here is one step closer to the top of the standings.

Players to Watch: Kendric Davis had a career night in Tasmania, scoring 39 points in the loss and doing everything he could to get a much-needed win for his team. Davis is now tasked with repeating that performance against the league’s best backcourt, the Hawks. Adelaide will believe their advantage in this game comes from inside, with players such as: Isaac Humphries And Montrezl Harrell.

The Hawks are perhaps the most versatile team in the league and have weapons at every single position. As good as their starting unit is, it’s perhaps their bench unit that causes the opponent the most problems, with guys like this Darius days capable of having a big impact. MVP candidate, Trey Kell IIIHe is also returning to face his former team and will look to make a statement.

The statistics: Illawarra is the league’s highest scoring team (101.3). Adelaide allows the most points in the league (97.1).

Missing in action: Sunday December is a game-time decision (thigh).

Cairns vs South East Melbourne

When: Tuesday 14th January – 7:30pm AEDT
Where: Cairns Convention Center
Regard: Live on ESPN via Kayo | International
Results: Download the free NBL app

Pay attention to: The Taipans proved once again towards the end of the season that they mean business and are looking to ruin every other team’s chances of reaching the final. While there was a tough loss in Sydney, this young Taipan team fought hard and made some strong shots to almost steal the big win from the Kings. They play relaxed and carefree, and this results in an exciting basketball sport for the team anchored to the ground.

The Phoenix continue their climb up the table and want to consolidate their place in the top four. With Derrick Walton Jr With him out for some time with a hamstring injury, it’s the young guards coming off the bench who will get their chance to shine in the next few weeks. This Phoenix team relies on its elite defense but also fortifies it offensively.

Players to Watch: Taran Armstrong was nothing short of phenomenal in his second season and looks like the NBA prospect many believe him to be. Armstrong has improved in almost every aspect of his game, but especially in his ability to defend off dribbles. Next to Rob EdwardsThis backcourt is very strong offensively.

The Phoenix come into this game with form Nathan Sobey And Matt Hurtwho both scored over 30 points in the win over Brisbane. Hurt looks to be an All-NBL player in awards season and has been nearly unstoppable for Josh King all season.

The statistics: Matt Hurt is fourth in scoring (20.3 points per game).

Missing: Derrick Walton Jr has failed (thigh).

Brisbane vs Perth

When: Wednesday January 15th – 7:30pm AEDT
Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Regard: Live on ESPN via Kayo | International
Results: Download the free NBL app

Pay attention to: The Bullets had a small winning streak following the FIBA ​​break, but are now in a rut, largely due to decimation by injuries. On the bright side, they still did Casey Prather available to put together an incredible custom season. Brisbane will need to be near perfect from now on to get to the finals, making welcoming a red-hot Perth team a very difficult task.

The Wildcats are humming along right now and riding that Bryce Cotton Wave at the highest possible level. Perth traveled to Tasmania and dismantled the reigning champions across the board. Now Perth has its sights set on a place in the top two. The Wildcats finally return home to RAC Arena after this game and will be desperate to close out this road stretch with a win.

Players to Watch: With so many injuries to key players, Brisbane will be relying on a big dose of Prather Keandre Cook achieve a competitive score. Both import wings are fully capable of having some very big nights, but they will need some help to relieve the pressure.

Outside of Cotton, that was the case Dylan Windler who has become an important offensive player with his ability to bring down the three at high speed. Kristian Doolittle is back in the squad and will continue to improve his match fitness towards the end of the season.

The statistics: Perth is the second best free throw team (37.2).

Missing: Sam McDaniel is out for the season (shoulder). James Batemon is out for the season (hamstring injury). Tyrell Harrison is a game time decision (concussion). Josh Bannan has failed (knee). Deng nobility is a game time decision (hip).