Every Game In Focus (Round 19, NBL25)

Every week of the Hungry Jack’s NBL25 Season, we’ll be previewing the big games, the big names and all the key talking points.

Check out the Round 19 Preview below.

Don’t forget, every game of the NBL25 season is live on ESPN.

Tasmania vs Illawarra

When: Thursday, January 30 – 7.30pm AEDT
Where: MyState Bank Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: While Tasmania can mathematically still make the top six, the task has become incredibly tough after the recent losses. The JackJumpers have struggled to navigate through this stretch with key injuries to players who were so important to the team’s success.

When the Hawks get to Tasmania, they will only be focused on getting back on track after they once again slipped up and lost to the bottom-placed Cairns Taipans. They aren’t far away from locking up top spot on the ladder, but they need to get another big win in order to keep some distance between them and the rest of the competition. Expect this Hawks team to come out with a point to prove after last round and for the JackJumpers to be ready with their own fight.

Players to watch: While Scott Roth may use these last few games as a chance to give some young stars an extended opportunity, he will also still want to end a tough season on a positive note. For the JackJumpers to have any chance at winning this game, they need Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford to both have big games offensively and carry the load.

For the Hawks, they have weapons throughout their entire roster and will be calling on everyone to step up and try and send a message early. Trey Kell III and Tyler Harvey  have been the backcourt leaders, but this entire roster can be very dangerous. With their depth and energy off the bench, this seems like one of those games where the Hawks could have multiple players put up some big scores.

The stat: Milton Doyle averages 2.5 points per game against Illawarra this season. 

Missing in action: Darius Days is out (hamstring). Sean MacDonald is out (foot). Will Magnay is out (toe). Majok Deng is out (ankle).

Adelaide vs Brisbane

When: Friday, January 31 – 7.30pm AEDT
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: Not only are Adelaide firmly in control of a finals berth, but there is a chance that this team could find a way to finish with a home Play-In game. For that to happen, the 36ers just need to keep on winning and hoping that results fall their way between other teams. The way they are currently playing, it has all fans thinking that they could be the most dangerous team when the post-season begins.

For the Bullets, they get a chance to spoil the 36ers’ party in this game and will also be hoping they can finish the season positively. They are another team that has been decimated by injuries, and they have struggled to remain competitive because of that.

Players to watch: Casey Prather and Keandre Cook have been the two shining lights on a Bullets team that has been finding it hard to have enough offensive talent to put up good scores. Both imports have had fantastic individual seasons, but they will need some help if they are going to match a high powered offensive team like Adelaide.

Not only has Kendric Davis put up a historical first season from a statistical point of view, but there is a growing chance that he could be rewarded with an MVP to cap it all off. The superstar point guard has been simply outstanding and is a major reason why this 36ers team has a chance to do something very special in the post-season.

The stat: Brisbane allows the most points per game (98.1).

Missing in action: Sam McDaniel is out for the season (shoulder). James Batemon is out for season (hamstring). Tyrell Harrison is questionable (concussion).

Perth vs South East Melbourne

When: Friday, January 31 – 9.30pm AEDT
Where: MyState Bank Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: This is one of the games of the round out west, because it will have serious ramifications on whichever team loses. There isn’t much that separates the two on the ladder, with both teams looking to avoid finishing fifth and facing an elimination game against Adelaide.

The Wildcats are coming off two losses last round in games that many thought they would do enough to secure a top two spot. Now they must host a Phoenix team that has been one of the best defensive units in the second half of the season and boast some exceptional offensive talent, too. One way or another, there will be some fireworks in this game with a playoff atmosphere.

Players to watch: Bryce Cotton may be the frontrunner for the MVP this season, but the league’s leading scorer will have to overcome two tough shooting games to help his team get back on the winner’s list. Cotton attempted 37 shots in their double overtime loss to Cairns, including missing two potential game winners.

The Phoenix have been rolling along nicely on the back of Matt Hurt and Nathan Sobey, who have proved to be one of the best duo’s in the league. Hurt in particular has been virtually un-guardable and is putting together an All-NBL calibre season for his Phoenix team.

The stat: The Phoenix have scored 100+ in their last five road games. 

Missing in action: Tai Webster is a game time decision (hamstring). Derrick Walton Jr is out (hamstring).

New Zealand vs Cairns

When: Saturday, February 1 – 5.30pm AEDT
Where: Spark Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo, TVNZ+ in NZ | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: While this may feature the bottom two teams on the ladder, the Cairns Taipans in particular are playing some of their best basketball since Round 3. With two big wins last weekend, the Taipans will be hoping to finish out the season with even more.

The Breakers will be out to give their fans a positive send off on what has been a tough back half of the season. There is more than enough talent throughout this team to still get the job done, but perhaps their focus now is channelling their frustration onto their opponent.

In games like this, there is also a fine line for the coaches to walk, between trying hard to win a game that doesn’t mean much and getting some opportunity into the young players. 

Players to watch: Mojave King has been a standout for the Breakers this season, when he is healthy. He recently spoke to media and said how this has been the most fun season in the NBL for him, albeit with a tough stretch for his team. These remaining games are a great chance for King and other young prospects to shine with extended opportunity.

Tanner Groves has been quietly dominant for Adam Forde since returning from injury halfway through the season. The undersized big man is the ultra-competitor and plays well above his height, while he also steps out and shoots the three at a good rate. Another bright spark in a tough season for the Taipans has been the emergence of Alex Higgins-Titsha, who continues to flash his potential which has many fans excited for the future.

The stat: Tanner Groves ranks 1st for true shooting percentage (66.8%).

Missing in action: N/A

Melbourne vs Tasmania

When: Saturday, February 1 – 8.00pm AEDT
Where: John Cain Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: Even though the JackJumpers may have missed their chance to play post-season basketball, there is always something different about this team when it comes to playing at John Cain Arena. Ever since they entered the competition, this team had embraced the challenge of going into Melbourne and grinding out big wins. The scene is set once again for them to be able to put a dent in United’s chances of finishing second.

While United will be feeling good after last round, they will be very aware of the threat that this feisty JackJumpers team brings. These last two games for United could decide whether they finish second, get a home game in the Play-In Tournament or even slip down to fourth if other results don’t go their way.

Players to watch: Scott Roth will be hoping that Majok Deng is able to find a way to play in this game for his team, because Deng has had some big moments against United in their last few matchups. Going back to the Championship Series last season, where Deng had a monstrous fourth quarter to secure the win, he seems to embrace the moment when he plays in Melbourne. 

Shea Ili, who is a leading candidate for Best Defensive Player once again, will have his eyes locked into Jordon Crawford on the other side. It was Crawford who won that battle in Game 5 last season, which will be enough motivation for Ili to use.

The stat: Melbourne leads the league in assists per game (21.1).

Missing in action: Sean MacDonald is out (foot). Will Magnay is out (toe). Majok Deng is a game time decision. (ankle).

Sydney vs Perth

When: Sunday, February 2 – 2.30pm AEDT
Where: Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo, and Channel 10 | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: Everything is to play for when these two powerhouses meet on Sunday. With the way everything is shaping out, there are three teams who are playing to avoid finishing fifth and find themselves in the elimination Play-In. Furthermore, both of these teams would love the chance to finish third and get a home game in the first round, as they both feed off their fans’ energy.

Both teams will be playing desperate basketball because of the above and it could likely be a preview of the Play-In games that will take place in two weeks. Whichever team can hold their nerve and make the least mistakes, will put themselves in the best position to come out on top.

Players to watch: Jaylen Adams has been quietly putting together a big season for the Kings, especially in the fourth quarter where his team has been dominant all year. The former MVP has put his team on his back on numerous occasions and has looked virtually unstoppable when he gets into an aggressive mindset. Alongside Cam Oliver and Xavier Cooks, it looks as if this Sydney team might just be finding it’s best at the right time.

Dylan Windler was an obvious absence in Perth’s tough Round 18, as he is one of the best +/- players in the entire competition. As he looks to get back into the line-up, John Rillie will be hoping it doesn’t take long for him to be back to his best, because he was leading the charge defensively. With Kristian Doolittle looking to be even more aggressive on the offensive end, this team needs to find the form they had when they went 6-1 on the road in December.

 The stat: Perth allows the second most points per game (96.6) and FG percentage (47.8).

Missing in action: Tai Webster is a game time decision (hamstring). Keli Leaupepe is out (hamstring). Jaylin Galloway is out for the season (shoulder).

South East Melbourne vs Adelaide

When: Sunday, February 2 – 4.30pm AEDT
Where: John Cain Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo, and 10 BOLD | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: Saving the best for last with the Phoenix’s return to John Cain Arena to take on an Adelaide team that is firing on all cylinders. This matchup seems to be the most likely preview of the Elimination Play-In Game that will take place in two weeks, but the door is also open ever so slightly for the 36ers to host that game if they win this.  

There are stars all over the court and the 36ers are arguably the most in-form team in the entire competition. Josh King’s men on the other hand, find themselves as the second-best defensive team in the entire league. Whereas the 36ers are the best defensive team in the last eight games, which means something will have to give. Emotions should be high as the post-season gets closer and this game will have excitement everywhere you look.

Players to watch: Outside of Matt Hurt and Nathan Sobey, it’s been Joe Wieskamp who has been sensational since Josh King decided to bring him off the bench. Both Wieskamp and King have openly spoke about that decision and how the star shooter embraced the challenge of having to be better. He’s shooting the three at a very high rate since and has been finding himself ripping down big rebounds as well.

For the 36ers, expect them to try and get their sharpshooting captain going early in this one. DJ Vasiljevic recently exploded in the first quarter in Cairns, hitting seven straight threes on his way to 10 makes for the game. This team has enough offensive firepower to score 100 against any opponent, but they know the importance of making sure their shooter is feeling great before finals.

 The stat: Adelaide is the worst rebounding team in the league (38.8).

Missing in action: Derrick Walton Jr is out (hamstring).