NBL season begins at HoopsFest out West
AFTER an eventful off-season, the National Basketball League (NBL) is set to kick off the 2024/25 season with a bang, launching the first ever HoopsFest, with all Round 1 games to be played in Perth in an exciting collection of matches.
It all begins at RAC Arena later tonight with a Grand Final rematch, as the Tasmania JackJumpers take on Melbourne United in an exciting clash. The JackJumpers got the better of Melbourne in five games during last season’s Championship Series, but have several backcourt injuries coming into the match, and there is no doubt United will be out for revenge in the season opener.
There will also be double-headers over the course of the weekend, whether it is between the NBL and Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) or just back to back NBL clashes. Most matches will take place at RAC Arena, although one NBL double-header will be held at HBF Stadium in a change of scenery for teams travelling to Perth.
Every team has made significant changes over the off-season, and it is a completely different landscape now given how the rosters have shifted. The 2024/25 season is shaping up as the one of the closest in competition history, and it all begins in Perth tonight.
Clearly the Perth Wildcats will have an edge over the rest of the competition, given their home-court advantage, so expect their clash with the SEM Phoenix to have plenty of anticipation from the fans at HoopsFest.
The most intriguing clash of the weekend is actually the final game in the fixture, with the new-look Adelaide 36ers set to face off against the rejuvenated Sydney Kings. The latter are considered the title favourites after adding legendary head coach Brian Goorjian and former MVP Xavier Cooks. However, the Sixers have made some significant changes themselves, and have a stacked starting lineup that now includes Montrezl Harrell, so it shapes as a huge encounter and test for both teams.
NBL Round 1 Fixture
Melbourne United vs. Tasmania JackJumpers, Thursday @ 8:30pm AEST
Perth Wildcats vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix, Friday @ 8:30pm AEST
New Zealand Breakers vs. Brisbane Bullets, Saturday @ 6:00pm AEST
Cairns Taipans vs. Illawarra Hawks, Saturday @ 8:30pm AEST
Adelaide 36ers. vs Sydney Kings, Sunday @ 2:30pm AEST
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