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NBL Starting 5: The main talking points for Round 6
Pete Hooley - NBL ⢠ October 24th, 2025 3:38 pm
The round is highlighted with numerous double-headers and a top-of-the-table clash between Melbourne and Adelaide.
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 â Perthâs redemption round
The Wildcats have a short turnaround from their disappointing round, where they lost two games by 17+ points.
John Rillie will be hoping the team is fired up as they head to Cairns to try and replicate the performance they had two weeks ago against the Taipans. With Dylan Windler ruled out, it gets even tougher for the Wildcats who are facing a lot of tough questions.
2 â Hawks' âlowest pointâ
Tyler Harvey called it the teamâs "lowest point" after their 40-point loss to the Phoenix, as the reigning champions slumped to last place in the standings.
While Justin Tatum doesnât seem to be in panic mode just yet, heâs calling on his team to find the hunger that they had last season and use that to fuel a comeback.
3- Phoenix defensive test
The Phoenix have a big chance to build off their win against the Hawks when they take on a Sydney team that has plenty of offensive talent.
Led by Kendric Davis, all eyes will be on how Josh King uses his defensive weapons to try and limit the star guardâs production. Does he take some learnings out of the way they didnât defend Bryce Cotton last week?
4 â Top of the table clash
All eyes are on Sunday when Melbourne United welcome the Adelaide 36ers to town and try to remain undefeated on the season. Itâs the toughest test to date for Dean Vickermanâs men, but their recent form would suggest theyâll rise to the occasion.
United will still be without Shea Ili, who has been crowned the âBryce Cotton stopperâ through the years, which opens the door for the five-time MVP to continue his hot form.
5- Tasmania rested and ready
Tasmania has played seven games this season and five of those have been away games, which showed in the recent results, where the team looked mentally and physically fatigued.
Since the poor loss in New Zealand, Scott Roth has been able to get plenty of rest into his team as they try to string some wins together before a big stand of home games in the next few rounds.
