Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Where: Melbourne Arena, Melbourne
Round one tips off with Melbourne United up against new boys South East Melbourne Phoenix with both teams determined to set the tone with victory in the first Melbourne derby between the two sides.
It will be the Phoenix’s first-ever competitive match, with Boomers wing and former Brooklyn Net Mitch Creek leading the charge for the burgeoning side.
United will once again boast a talented line up this season, boosted by the return of star forward Casey Prather who is back in the NBL after a season in Europe.
The running battle between Creek and Prather will be one to watch with both players capable of taking control of a match in an instant.
Other names to keep an eye on is Tai Wesley for the Phoenix, going up against his former side in what will be his 150th NBL game, while United star Chris Goulding is arguably the NBL’s best when on song.
Cairns Taipans v Sydney Kings
Where: Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns
The temperature is rising in Far North Queensland, with the Cairns Taipans set to heat up the Cairns Convention Centre with a round one clash against the star-studded Sydney Kings.
With a new coach in Will Weaver, as well as a dynamic duo in Andrew Bogut and Casper Ware, the Kings will be aiming to get their campaign off to a fast start against a Taipans team which finished last season at the bottom of the table.
All eyes will be on Weaver, with the reigning NBA G-League Coach of the Year believed to be the man to help the Kings lose their recent reputation of perennial underachievers.
Andrew Bogut will be back in Kings colours this season after a shock return to the NBA with the Golden State Warriors earlier this year. The reigning league MVP will have a new partner in crime with former Melbourne United point guard Casper Ware making the move north to join the Kings.
The Taipans will be hoping to put their disastrous 2018-19 season behind them and, with a new retooled squad, will be looking to make a major improvement on their meagre six wins they amassed last time out.
One matchup to watch out for will be the big bodied battle between veteran centres Bogut and Nathan Jawai of the Taipans, while Kings import Didi Louzada should be another key contributor as he takes on another rising star in Cairns small forward Kouat Noi.
Both teams have plenty to play for in what will be a huge game at the Snakepit.
Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United
When: Saturday, October 5 at 5:30pm (AEST) LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND and LIVE via
Where: RAC Arena, Perth
Six months ago, Perth Wildcats defeated Melbourne United to snatch their ninth NBL Championship and they’ll be out to do it again when they begin their title defence with a grand final rematch.
There will be plenty of feeling at the RAC Arena on Saturday as the Wildcats unveil their Championship banner in what is sure to be a painful reminder for Melbourne and their travelling fans.
Perth have been the most dominant side in recent NBL history, winning three of the last four titles and have made the playoffs in 33 consecutive seasons. They will be determined to make it 34 starting with a big win at home on Saturday.
Five-time winner Damian Martin will once again play a key role for the Wildcats despite turning 35 this year.
Boomers power forward Nick Kay is another player sure to be a big contributor for the reigning champions.
It is set to be a tough road trip for Melbourne, who take on Perth less than 48 hours after their opening match of the season on Thursday night.
The pressure will be on coach Dean Vickerman to manage his star players' minutes and not burn them out so early in the campaign.
Chris Goulding’s outside shooting could lift Melbourne to victory, but he will have stiff competition from Perth guard Bryce Cotton.
These NBL heavyweights always put on a show and with so much recent history between them, expect nothing less than a thrilling matchup.
Illawarra Hawks v Brisbane Bullets
When: Sunday, October 6 at 3:00pm (AEDT) LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND and LIVE via
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
The eyes of the world will be on Wollongong this Sunday as Illawarra Hawks star recruit LaMelo Ball makes his NBL debut in his side’s round one clash against the Brisbane Bullets.
Ball, touted as a possible first overall NBA draft pick, is one of the headline attractions this campaign and if his pre-season form is anything to go by then the teenage phenomenon is set to light up the league.
They will take on a Brisbane side determined to repeat their top four finish from 2018-19.
Matt Flinn will be the man responsible for helping get the most out of Ball, with the home-grown coach also signing NBA veteran Aaron Brooks to compliment his high profile point guard.
Boomers head coach Andrej Lemanis returns for another season in charge of Brisbane and he has brought Australia guard Nathan Sobey along for the ride.
Bullets swingman Lamar Patterson was named in the All-NBL first team after an impressive campaign last season and will be one of the main men for Brisbane yet again.
The match will also be Mika Vukona’s 450th NBL game, with the respected veteran lining up for the Bullets.
The pressure will be on Ball and Brooks to live up to expectations in week one and, against Brisbane, the star duo won’t have it easy.
