Every Game In Focus (Round 12, NBL25)

Every week of the Hungry Jack's NBL25 Season, we'll be previewing the big games, the big names and all the key talking points.

Check out the Round 12 Preview below.

Don't forget, every game of the NBL25 season is live on ESPN.

New Zealand vs Tasmania

When: Thursday, December 12 - 5.30pm AEDT
Where: Eventfinda Stadium
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: This is a double-points affair between two teams who are trending in two very different directions. New Zealand is seemingly in a freefall since the FIBA break and looking to find any way to steady the ship. It’s not so much the four losses, but how the Breakers have looked across each game and struggling to find any resemblance of the form that had them second on the ladder. Expect them to come out firing in this game, after a big week of practice.

The reigning champions have won four straight and are once again heading down a path that all NBL fans have seen before. Whenever their backs are against the wall, the JackJumpers just find a way to fight and claw out of it.

With Sean Macdonald back in the lineup, Tasmania has found its best offensive output and is still locking up defensively. Don’t look now, but the best defensive team in the competition is on the hunt once again.

Players to watch: Sam Mennenga continues to produce at a high level for his new team, averaging over 13 points and 5 rebounds. With a lot of the Breakers' team being in and out during injury, Mennenga has been one of the most consistent contributors alongside Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Another bright spark for New Zealand has been the play of Next Star Karim Lopez, who continues to flash his potential on both ends, highlighted by his block on Cam Oliver in their loss to Sydney.

For Tasmania, it’s really no surprise that the team has started to find their offensive groove since Macdonald has returned. The guard is averaging 12 points and just under 5 assists, but more importantly the JackJumpers' offence has began to flow as a team. With Majok Deng also stepping up scoring the ball, Tasmania is once again looking a dangerous team. 

The stat: New Zealand has lost each of its four games, whereas Tasmania has won its last four.

Missing in action: Jonah Bolden will be a game-time decision.

Brisbane vs South East Melbourne

When: Thursday, December 12 - 7.30pm AEDT
Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: In one of the games of the round, Brisbane hosts South East Melbourne, with both teams playing their best basketball of the season. The Bullets are coming off two wins in Round 11, which was highlighted with their performance against Melbourne United. Brisbane had four players score 25-plus points in that game, as the Bullets put up 122 points at John Cain Arena, the second most the club has scored in the 40-minute era.

South East Melbourne on the other hand is a completely different team than the one that was 0-5 at the beginning of the season. Under Josh King, the Phoenix have become one of the strongest defensive units in the league and are playing with a different energy than their opposition.

Players to watch: Nathan Sobey is coming off his best game of the season, after scoring 21 points against Cairns and coming up big when his team needed it. He was complemented once again by Angus Glover, who continues to step up and fill up the stat sheet with his increased opportunity. Phoenix big man Matt Hurt strengthens his case for an All-NBL selection each game, after dropping another 19 points and 14 rebounds. 

With Keandre Cook and Casey Prather scoring 27 points each and James Batemon and Tyrell Harrison having 25, there wasn’t much left for the Bullets to do in their win against Melbourne. It was one of the more dominant team performances of the season and it showed the fans what this team is capable of when they hit top gear. While they’ll be challenged against the Phoenix defence, Justin Schueller will be hoping his team once again rises to the challenge.

The stat: South East Melbourne is 7-2 this season when Nathan Sobey records an assist:turnover ratio above 1.00 (0-6 when 1.00 or below).

Missing in action: Derrick Walton Jr will miss, before returning for the Throwdown. Sam McDaniel is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Jarred Bairstow and Josh Bannan are game-time decisions. Deng Adel is out with a hand injury.

Melbourne vs Illawarra

When: Friday, December 13 - 7.30pm AEDT
Where: John Cain Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: It’s a top two clash on Friday night and one that is sure to produce some fireworks. The last time these two teams met, it was a game that created headlines for many reasons, and it had all fans circling the next clash. While Melbourne has a little buffer above the Hawks on the ladder, they have played three more games and a win for Illawarra in this one will take them into top spot.

It's not just a top two battle on the ladder, as it’s a game between the two best offensive teams in the league. The Hawks are first in scoring at almost 99 points per game and Melbourne are second at 97. There’s no doubt that the Hawks will be out to get revenge on Melbourne, whereas United will be looking to bounce back from their shock loss to Brisbane in Round 11.

Players to watch: With Chris Goulding set to be sidelined again, United have seemingly turned to Rob Loe to lead them offensively and it’s paid dividends. The big man has scored in double-figures for six straight games, which is the longest stretch of his career. Jack White continues to be an integral part of Melbourne’s early season success, having another double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds in the loss to Brisbane.

The Hawks are one of the most dangerous teams in the entire league, putting up another 121 points in Perth, including a 38-point third quarter. Trey Kell once again led from the front, scoring 26 points on just 12 shots. He was supported by five other players scoring in double-figures, including Mason Peatling, who had 14 points and continues to show his importance to the team in his new starting role.

The stat:  Illawarra is first in the league for net rating at 10.6. Melbourne is second in the league at 9.6.

Missing in action: Goulding is out with a calf injury.

Adelaide vs New Zealand

When: Saturday, December 14 - 5.30pm AEDT
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: Adelaide will have both its MVP candidates back, with Montrezl Harrell returning from suspension and Kendric Davis on fire last week. The 36ers are looking to snap their four-game losing streak and climb off the bottom part of the ladder. At full strength, this Adelaide team was undefeated at home and will be looking to rebuild their fortress at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

New Zealand faces a tough proposition once again, with the problems that Adelaide’s front court could cause. As the Breakers continue to search for an identity defensively, since the inclusion of Tacko Fall, they’ll be hoping to find answers in this game. The head-to-head battle between Davis and Parker Jackson-Cartwright could set the tone for how this game is going to play out. 

Players to watch: Adelaide is still looking for Jarell Martin to find his feet in this team, after returning from a significant injury and working back into things. Martin is averaging half the statistics that he put up when he last played for the Sydney Kings, but will be an integral part of this 36ers' puzzle if they are to achieve what they hope to achieve. With Isaac Humphries stepping up in the absence of Harrell, it will now be about how all these pieces come back together and perform as one. 

Mojave King continues to play at a high level and showcase the talents that saw him drafted into the NBA as a late second-rounder recently. After beginning the season well, the injury came at a horrible time for King, who is one of the leading offensive contributors on this team. With Matt Mooney having an inconsistent stretch of form, King will be called upon to be more effective on the offensive end. 

The stat: New Zealand give up the most rebounds of any team in the competition, at 37.1.

Missing in action: Sunday Dech is a game-time decision. DJ Vasiljevic is out with a hamstring injury. 

Cairns vs Perth

When: Saturday, December 14 - 8pm AEDT
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: Cairns is at a point where its desperation to get a win is growing by every minute. Adam Forde called out his team and himself in the press conference following their loss to Tasmania, saying that it is “100 per cent mental” with how his team can’t close out games in the fourth quarter. The Taipans have lost 11 games in a row and at least half of those they were able to win and failed to capitalise. With a full starting five now available, Forde will be hoping their luck will change soon.

While Perth’s defence has left a lot to be desired, what cannot be questioned is their ability to put up points at a high level. Led by Bryce Cotton, who is trying to join more elite company with a fourth consecutive 40-point game, the Wildcats are building nicely towards the post season. 

Players to watch: Taran Armstrong has found his groove as the head of the snake since returning from his injury. He’s had three straight double-figure scoring games and is averaging just under 18 points per game this season. It’s not just the scoring that’s impressive, but the way he’s gone about it that has raised NBA eyebrows. Sam Waardenburg has also quietly been putting together a very productive season and without him, things would look even worse for Cairns. The third year big man has established himself as one of the best big men in the competition. 

Cotton’s last three games have seen him further write the legacy of one of the all-time greats. After scoring 59 points against New Zealand, he followed it up with a 40-point game against the Hawks and then a 49-point performance against Adelaide. Cotton himself has spoken about how Cairns is the favourite place for him to play outside of Perth, which will have everyone keeping a close eye on the box score in this one. 

The stat: Perth allow the most points per game to opposition, at 96.2.

Missing in action: Akoldah Gak is out with a knee injury. 

South East Melbourne vs Melbourne

When: Sunday, December 15 - 2.30pm AEDT
Where: John Cain Arena
Watch: Live on Fox Sports 507, 10 & 10 Play | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: New Phoenix coach Josh King will be looking to build on the team’s last Throwdown win on Sunday. When South East Melbourne beat Melbourne in Round 5, it was Sam Mackinnon in charge as the interim head coach, which gives King a unique opportunity going into this game. With both teams having played earlier in the round, it’s a chance to leave everything on the court when these rivals meet.

At one point in the season, it was United who were far and away the best defensive team in the league. Since King has taken over at the Phoenix, their defensive rating has been impressive and it’s a major reason why this team is looking to solidify themselves in the top half of the ladder. The Throwdown always produces, and this matchup looks set to excite, as both teams will be hoping to secure bragging rights in Victoria. 

Players to watch: When these two teams last met, it was Jordan Hunter who was unstoppable for the Phoenix, scoring 20 points and ripping down nine rebounds. Hunter has been somewhat of the forgotten man this season, due to the wide array of performances from his teammates, but his production has arguably been the most consistent of any starter. Owen Foxwell continues to step up when called upon and is proving to be one of the most important pieces for South East Melbourne. 

For United, they’ll be looking for Matthew Dellavedova to be able to lead this team offensively without Chris Goulding available. This season, Dellavedova has been facilitating everyone and finding easy ways to score for his team. His backcourt partner Shea Ili is just as important to the success of their team going forward. If Ili can slow down the guards of the Phoenix, it will put Melbourne in the box seat. 

The stat: Melbourne holds a Throwdown record of 18 wins to the Phoenix’s eight.

Missing in action: Goulding is out with a calf injury.

Sydney vs Brisbane

When: Sunday, December 15 - 4.30pm AEDT
Where: Qudos Bank Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo, 10 Bold & 10 Play | NZ: ESPN | International
Scores: Download the free NBL App

Watch for: Sydney will be waiting for the last game of the round before looking to build on their impressive win in New Zealand. With all the questions around the Kings’ performances after 11 rounds of the season, this team still sits third on the ladder. They have shown glimpses of brilliance in nearly every game, as they slowly build towards the business part of NBL25. The one most consistent facet of their game is that their defence has been strong enough to have them in a position to win almost every game.

For the Bullets, they’ll again be looking to light it up offensively against the defensive powerhouse of the Kings. While Brisbane has also had its issues trying to get stops, if the Kings smell blood in the water, they can put up points at a rapid pace. Brisbane will have a height advantage on the interior which will be a unique chess match for Justin Schueller to play.

Players to watch: With Tyrell Harrison finding his form, he will be looking to dominate the paint against a much smaller Sydney team. When Brisbane played Cairns earlier this season, Harrison dictated everything from inside, pulling down 20 rebounds in the game and steering his team to a win. Keandre Cook has very quietly been putting together a very strong first season in the NBL, shooting it efficiently and picking his moments to be at his damaging best.

When Sydney is flying, it’s been Jaylen Adams leading the charge. He looks to have shaken off his back injury from earlier in the season. The former MVP was a game-time decision last round after battling an illness, but came off the bench to lead his team with a big double-double. It’s no secret that when Adams and Xavier Cooks are leading the way, Sydney is stacking up the wins. Cooks had an unusually quiet game rebounding against New Zealand, pulling down just one and will no doubt out to make amends.

The stat: Brisbane is first in the league for offensive rebounds, where Melbourne is first in the league for defensive rebounds.

Missing in action: Sam McDaniel is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Jarred Bairstow and Josh Bannan are game-time decision. Deng Adel is out with a hand injury.