NBL Round 10 Preview: Key Matchups Across the League
Round 10 of the NBL presents exciting matchups with Adelaide and Melbourne United looking to strengthen their top-tier positions, while Perth and Tasmania battle for mid-table leverage. Adelaide's efficiency and defensive prowess put them in a strong position against Illawarra. South East Melbourne's pace and depth make them strong contenders against Brisbane. Melbourne United remain formidable leaders against an inconsistent Illawarra. Meanwhile, Perth’s defensive consistency might edge out Tasmania in a crucial match for momentum. Expect thrilling basketball that will reshape the league standings.
- Adelaide 36ers leverage efficiency against Illawarra's defense.
- Phoenix's pace challenges Brisbane's undermanned roster.
- Perth's home advantage and defense might topple Tasmania.
Bryce Cotton of the Adelaide 36ers. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
NBL Round 10 Preview: Key Matchups Across the League
Round 10 of the NBL season brings a slate of intriguing contests, with Adelaide looking to consolidate their position near the top, Melbourne United continuing their dominance, and Perth and Tasmania battling for mid-table momentum. Here’s a detailed look at the four headline games.
- NBL Round 10 Preview: Key Matchups Across the League
- Summary & Verdict
- Adelaide 36ers (2nd) vs. Illawarra Hawks (7th)
- Summary
- Brisbane Bullets (8th) vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix (3rd)
- Summary
- Illawarra Hawks (7th) vs. Melbourne United (1st)
- Summary
- Perth Wildcats (5th) vs. Tasmania JackJumpers (6th)
- Summary
Summary & Verdict
Round 10 highlights the contrasting fortunes across the NBL. Adelaide and Melbourne United look set to consolidate their positions at the top, South East Melbourne continue to impress with pace and depth, while Brisbane, Illawarra, and Tasmania face uphill battles. Perth remain a wildcard, capable of pushing higher if they can string wins together.
Fans can expect a week of high-intensity basketball, milestone moments, and critical clashes that will shape the mid-season ladder.
Adelaide 36ers (2nd) vs. Illawarra Hawks (7th)
Adelaide Entertainment Centre - Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Adelaide host Illawarra in a clash of contrasting fortunes. The 36ers are riding strong offensive form, while the Hawks are still searching for consistency.
Recent Form
- Adelaide played at home three days ago.
- Illawarra also played three days ago, in Illawarra.
Season Performance Snapshot
Defensively, Adelaide allows 86.4 points per game (5th), while Illawarra concede a league-high 96.5 (10th).
Key Factors
- Bryce Cotton’s scoring (27.4 PPG, 3.9 3PM) and playmaking (6.3 APG) make him the focal point.
- Zylan Cheatham’s rebounding (10.5 RPG) gives Adelaide second-chance opportunities.
- Illawarra rely heavily on JaVale McGee (21.8 PPG, 10.4 RPG) and William Hickey (8.2 APG) to keep them competitive.
Summary
Adelaide’s ability to slow the game down and exploit Illawarra’s defensive gaps should give them control. Illawarra will need McGee to dominate inside and Hickey to orchestrate the offense to stay close.
Brisbane Bullets (8th) vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix (3rd)
Brisbane Entertainment Centre - Thursday, 20 November 2025
Brisbane face a stern test against South East Melbourne, who lead the league in scoring and pace.
Recent Form
- Brisbane played in Melbourne five days ago.
- SEM played in Cairns six days ago.
Season Performance Snapshot
Brisbane average 89.6 points (5th) with a 110.7 offensive net rating (8th). SEM lead the league with 97.4 points (1st) and the fastest pace (82.4, 1st).
Defensively, Brisbane concede 95.6 points (8th), while SEM allow 89 (7th) with the league’s best defensive net rating (102.4, 1st).
Key Factors
- Brisbane are missing Casey Prather (24.4 PPG), leaving Tyrell Harrison (9.6 RPG) as their main weapon.
- SEM’s Nathan Sobey (21.3 PPG, 3.0 3PM) and John Brown III provide scoring depth.
- Angus Glover adds perimeter shooting (2.9 3PM).
Summary
Phoenix’s pace and defensive discipline make them heavy favourites, but the real story is how undermanned Brisbane can cope. Without Prather, they lack a go-to scorer. SEM’s ability to push tempo and spread the floor should overwhelm Brisbane’s limited rotation, especially if Sobey gets hot early.
Illawarra Hawks (7th) vs. Melbourne United (1st)
WIN Entertainment Centre - Friday, 21 November 2025
Illawarra back up quickly against ladder leaders Melbourne United.
Recent Form
- Illawarra played in Adelaide two days ago.
- Melbourne last played six days ago.
Season Performance Snapshot
Illawarra average 88.2 points (7th) with a 108.3 offensive net rating (8th). Melbourne are elite: 96.7 points (2nd) with the league’s best offensive net rating (119, 1st).
Defensively, Illawarra concede 96.5 points (10th), while Melbourne allow just 84.5 (2nd).
Key Factors
- llawarra rely on JaVale McGee (21.8 PPG, 10.4 RPG) and William Hickey (8.2 APG).
- Melbourne’s depth is unmatched: Tyson Walker, Shea Ili (5.5 APG), Jesse Edwards (7.9 RPG), and Chris Goulding (2.7 3PM).
- Illawarra’s perimeter shooting (Tyler Harvey, 2.4 3PM) must fire to keep pace.
Summary
Melbourne’s efficiency and depth should prove decisive. Illawarra’s defense has struggled all season, and United’s ability to punish mismatches across the floor will likely expose them. Expect Melbourne to control tempo and dominate the boards, forcing Illawarra into a perimeter-heavy game.
Perth Wildcats (5th) vs. Tasmania JackJumpers (6th)
RAC Arena - Friday, 21 November 2025
Perth and Tasmania meet in a mid-table clash with both teams desperate for momentum.
Recent Form
- Perth played at home six days ago.
- Tasmania last played eight days ago.
Season Performance Snapshot
Perth average 88.2 points (6th) with a 113.5 offensive net rating (5th). Tasmania score just 83.5 (9th) with a 108.9 rating (7th), playing at the slowest pace in the league (68.3, 10th).
Defensively, Perth allow 85.1 points (3rd), while Tasmania concede 86.2 (4th) but own the league’s worst defensive net rating (126.2, 10th).
Key Factors
- Jo Lual Acuil Jr anchors Perth’s attack and rim protection.
- Kristian Doolittle contributes on the glass (8.2 RPG).
- Tasmania rely on Bryce Evan Hamilton (19.5 PPG), Josh Bannan (9.7 RPG), and David Ricardo Johnson (3.0 3PM).
Summary
Perth’s defensive consistency and home-court advantage should give them the edge. Tasmania’s slow pace can frustrate opponents, but their poor defensive efficiency is a major concern. If Acuil Jr controls the paint and Perth’s perimeter shooters find rhythm, the Wildcats should pull away late.
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