Thu Jan 16 06:20:00 UTC 2025: **NBL25 Season Heats Up: Key Matchups and Injury Updates for Round 17**

**Sydney, Australia (January 15, 2024)** – The Hungry Jack’s NBL25 season continues to thrill, with Round 17 promising several pivotal matchups. ESPN will broadcast all games live.

**Tasmania JackJumpers vs. New Zealand Breakers (Thursday, January 16, 5:30 PM AEDT): A Fight for Survival**

The injury-ravaged JackJumpers (missing Mojave King, Sean MacDonald, Will Magnay, and Majok Deng) desperately need a win to maintain their playoff hopes. Their star guards, Matt Mooney and Milton Doyle, will need significant support from the bench against a New Zealand team coming off a near-upset of Melbourne United. The JackJumpers’ low scoring average (84.5 points per game) is a major concern.

**Cairns Taipans vs. Brisbane Bullets (Friday, January 17, 7:30 PM AEDT): Summer Shootout Showdown**

The high-scoring Cairns Taipans, playing with freedom after their playoff hopes faded, face a struggling Brisbane Bullets team decimated by injuries (Sam McDaniel, James Batemon, Tyrell Harrison, and potential absences for Deng Adel and Emmet Naar). Casey Prather’s consistent scoring for the Bullets will be crucial, as will Josh Bannon’s efforts to compensate for the missing big men. Brisbane’s lack of defensive rebounds (27.2 per game) could be exploited.

**Adelaide 36ers vs. Perth Wildcats (Friday, January 17, 9:30 PM AEDT): A Clash of Titans**

The Adelaide 36ers, needing a win to secure their playoff spot, face the hot Perth Wildcats in a highly anticipated showdown. The matchup of MVP candidates Kendric Davis (36ers) and Bryce Cotton (Wildcats) is a highlight, but the supporting casts – including Montrezl Harrell and Dylan Windler – will also play vital roles. Adelaide’s Tai Webster is out with a hamstring injury.

**South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. New Zealand Breakers (Saturday, January 18, 5:30 PM AEDT): Playoff Positioning**

The Phoenix aim to solidify their playoff position and secure home-court advantage, while the Breakers, with their star point guard back, look to create late-season chaos. Angus Glover and Owen Foxwell will need to carry the load for the Phoenix in the absence of Derrick Walton Jr. The Breakers’ inconsistent free-throw and three-point shooting (71.2% and 32% respectively) remains a weakness.

**Illawarra Hawks vs. Melbourne United (Saturday, January 18, 8:00 PM AEDT): Top-Two Showdown**

A clash between the top two teams will have significant implications for the final standings. Illawarra’s high-scoring offense (100.7 points per game), led by Sam Froling, will be tested by Melbourne’s stellar guard play, featuring Chris Goulding, who recently set a career high in three-pointers.

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