Mon Jan 13 07:10:00 UTC 2025: **NBL25 Season Round 16 Preview: Key Matchups and Player Spotlights**

**Melbourne vs. New Zealand Breakers (January 13, 5:30 PM AEDT)**

Melbourne United, riding high after a victory over Sydney, aims to solidify its second-place standing against the New Zealand Breakers. Key players to watch for Melbourne include Jack White, whose offensive prowess is crucial to their success, and Shea Ili, a defensive stalwart. For the Breakers, the focus is on Karim Lopez, a rising star, and Matt Mooney, who’s stepped up in the absence of Parker Jackson-Cartwright (suspended). The Breakers will look to capitalize on home-court advantage. Melbourne leads the league in assists (21.2 per game). Mojave King is also out for Melbourne (calf).

**Adelaide 36ers vs. Illawarra Hawks (January 13, 7:30 PM AEDT)**

A crucial clash awaits as the Adelaide 36ers, reeling from a recent loss, face the league-leading Illawarra Hawks. Adelaide’s interior players, Isaac Humphries and Montrezl Harrell, will need to dominate against the Hawks’ well-rounded lineup. For Illawarra, Kendric Davis, who recently had a career-high game, faces a tough challenge against the Hawks’ elite backcourt. Trey Kell III’s return to face his former team adds another layer of intrigue. Illawarra boasts the league’s highest scoring average (101.3 points per game), while Adelaide concedes the most (97.1). Sunday Dech is a game-time decision for Adelaide (hamstring).

**Cairns Taipans vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix (January 14, 7:30 PM AEDT)**

The Cairns Taipans, despite their low standing, continue to challenge top teams. Taran Armstrong’s emergence as an NBA prospect is a key storyline for the Taipans, alongside Rob Edwards. The Phoenix, aiming for a top-four finish, will rely on the offensive firepower of Nathan Sobey and Matt Hurt (fourth in league scoring with 20.3 points per game) while dealing with the absence of Derrick Walton Jr (hamstring injury).

**Brisbane Bullets vs. Perth Wildcats (January 15, 7:30 PM AEDT)**

Injury-plagued Brisbane Bullets face a tough test against the surging Perth Wildcats, who are aiming for a top-two finish. Brisbane will depend heavily on Casey Prather and Keandre Cook. Perth’s Bryce Cotton and Dylan Windler will spearhead their attack, with Kristian Doolittle returning from injury. Perth is second in the league in free-throw percentage (37.2%). The Bullets have several players questionable for the game: Sam McDaniel (season-ending shoulder injury), James Batemon (season-ending hamstring injury), Tyrell Harrison (concussion), Josh Bannan (knee), and Deng Adel (hip).

Read More