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NBL Round 18: Blockbuster Weekend Ahead with Playoff Implications

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    Edwin Popham
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After a hugely successful 2026 HoopsFest in Perth, the NBL's attention turns to a blockbuster Round 18 featuring 10 games across five days. This slate is headlined by Sunday's showdowns that could determine playoff seeding and home court advantage.

NBL Round 18

The Full Round 18 Schedule

Wednesday, January 21

  • Melbourne United vs Brisbane Bullets - 5:30pm AEDT at Red Energy Arena (Bendigo)
  • South East Melbourne Phoenix vs New Zealand Breakers - 7:30pm AEDT at State Basketball Centre

Thursday, January 22

  • Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers - 7:30pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena
  • Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans - 9:30pm AEDT at RAC Arena

Friday, January 23

  • New Zealand Breakers vs Adelaide 36ers - 5:30pm AEDT at Spark Arena

Saturday, January 24

  • South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Cairns Taipans - 5:30pm AEDT at State Basketball Centre
  • Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks - 8:00pm AEDT at MyState Bank Arena

Sunday, January 25

  • Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers - 2:30pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena (ESPN & Channel 10)
  • Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United - 4:30pm AEDT at RAC Arena (ESPN & Channel 10)

Monday, January 26

  • Brisbane Bullets vs Illawarra Hawks - 7:30pm AEDT at Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Five Key Storylines

1. The $400,000 Ignite Cup Prize

Wednesday night's double-header could determine who advances to the Ignite Cup final on the Gold Coast. New Zealand remains undefeated in the competition and could book their place with a win over Phoenix, while South East Melbourne needs points from their remaining two games to stay in contention.

Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets are still mathematically alive, though they'll need help from other results to progress.

2. Torrey Craig Returns to the NBL

The last time Torrey Craig played in the NBL was 2017, when he dropped 30 points and 18 rebounds for Brisbane. Now the 35-year-old returns to the Sydney Kings after a successful NBA career, bringing two-way versatility and championship experience.

Craig gives Sydney another offensive weapon and a strong, athletic defender who can guard multiple positions - exactly what they need for their playoff push.

3. Adelaide's Response to Adversity

The 36ers sit atop the ladder and control their destiny for home court advantage throughout the playoffs. However, they face something unfamiliar: the threat of a three-game losing streak.

After just six losses all season, Adelaide has dropped back-to-back games. With new import John Jenkins now in the rotation, Mike Wells' team needs to rediscover their rhythm quickly. When you're the top dog, everyone gives you their best shot.

4. Massive Ladder Implications

Sunday's games will provide clarity on the final playoff picture:

Sydney vs Adelaide (2:30pm): The Kings are fighting for second place to avoid the Play-In Tournament, while Adelaide looks to cement top spot. These teams have produced fireworks all season, and with so much on the line, expect nothing less.

Perth vs Melbourne (4:30pm): One of these teams will likely secure a double chance in the Play-In, while the other could drop to fifth and face single elimination. Both teams need this win badly.

5. An Old Rivalry Reignites

The Wildcats-United rivalry has intensified in recent years due to both clubs' success and battles in crucial games. Last season's Game 3 playoff thriller - dubbed by many as "the greatest game of all time" - is still fresh in everyone's memory.

This time around, Jo Lual-Acuil faces his former team while Chris Goulding plays his 500th game. With playoff positioning at stake, expect another classic.

What to Watch

  • Ignite Cup drama: Wednesday's games could eliminate teams or lock in finalists
  • Adelaide's adjustments: How the 36ers integrate John Jenkins and stop the slide
  • Torrey Craig's impact: The veteran's debut for Sydney against Tasmania
  • Playoff positioning: Every game matters as teams jockey for seeding
  • Goulding's milestone: Chris Goulding's 500th game in the Perth-Melbourne clash

Round 18 promises to deliver drama, intensity, and potentially season-defining moments. With the playoffs approaching and the Ignite Cup reaching its climax, every possession matters.

All games are available on ESPN, with Sunday's blockbusters also broadcast on Channel 10.

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