The biggest threat to unbeaten run; golden chance to silence doubters — NBL Talking Pts

Round 6 of the NBL got underway on Wednesday, with the Wildcats romping to a big 110-78 win over the Taipans.

So, surely Cairns won’t turn around on Friday and pull off the upset of the year?

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That and more in the latest edition of NBL Talking Points ahead of another big round of action.

WHEN WILL MELBOURNE UNITED FINALLY LOSE… IF AT ALL?

Melbourne United have opened the season in dominant fashion, racing out to a perfect 7-0 record. This round, they face the Cairns Taipans in Cairns before returning home to take on the Adelaide 36ers.

While it’s unlikely the struggling Taipans end United’s streak, the 36ers present a genuine threat – especially given their recent form. Adelaide have won two straight, highlighted by Bryce Cotton’s 53-point explosion against Cairns. Alongside Cotton, Isaac Humphries and Zylan Cheatham have been key to the team’s resurgence, stepping up when it matters most.

For United, the formula remains simple: consistency and composure. Last round they went 2-0, grinding out a hard-fought win over the Bullets before comfortably dispatching the Breakers. Their depth, discipline, and defensive pressure continue to separate them from the pack – but they’ll need all of it to fend off Adelaide’s momentum.

Facing a desperate Taipans squad and a red-hot Bryce Cotton in the same round is no easy feat. If United’s streak does end, it won’t be a disaster – sometimes, an early-season loss can be the perfect reality check.

PHOENIX’S GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO SILENCE DOUBTERS

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have a golden opportunity to make a statement in Round 6. Sitting at 3-2, the Phoenix could emerge as a genuine NBL26 contender with wins over the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets – especially with new import Wes Iwundu expected to debut.

Head coach Josh King has built his team around defence, but their offensive firepower has quietly become elite – ranking second in the league with 94.2 points per game, just behind Melbourne United. Nathan Sobey has been electric, John Brown III continues to shine on both ends, and the team’s balanced contributions have turned what many saw as a “middling roster” into a legitimate threat.

The Kings have shown vulnerabilities, particularly in their defensive schemes. Kendric Davis has struggled to find rhythm, and Jordan Hunter’s foul trouble has left their frontcourt exposed.

If Phoenix stay disciplined and Iwundu integrates quickly, a 2-0 weekend could push them firmly into contender status – silencing doubts about whether they’re for real or just riding early momentum.

BULLETS’ BID TO DEFY THE ODDS

Despite a tough 2-5 start to the season, the Brisbane Bullets have been surprisingly competitive in their losses.

Last round, they went 1-1, pulling off a huge away win against the Perth Wildcats and following it up with a strong performance against the undefeated Melbourne United, being now one of only two teams to lose to Melbourne by single digits (nine points).

Coach Stu Lash has faced plenty of criticism this season – some justified, depending on who you ask.

While some of his coaching decisions have raised eyebrows, one thing Lash excels at is rallying his team when they’re under pressure. The Bullets have become a tough team to face because they never quit and fight hard until the final buzzer.

Injuries continue to impact the squad, with Mitch Norton, Sam McDaniel, and most recently Alex Ducas sidelined. However, reinforcements arrived this week with the signing of American import Dakota Mathias, who brings valuable NBA experience and sharp shooting from beyond the arc. He will not debut until Saturday’s game.

The Bullets face the New Zealand Breakers later today in a winnable game. The Breakers have struggled at home this season, holding a 2-3 record, and both teams are closely matched in ladder position and offensive/defensive ratings. Brisbane will have only six days’ rest and a flight to New Zealand, but with their backs against the wall, they remain dangerous opponents.

Next, Brisbane must quickly return from New Zealand to host the South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre – a very challenging matchup. This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season, making the outcome less predictable. However, with Josh King leading the Phoenix’s defense – the second-best defensive rating behind Melbourne United – the Bullets could face difficulties, especially with Phoenix’s’ new import Wes Iwundu now in the line-up.

COULD HISTORY REPEAT IN MAMMOTH UPSET?

Adam Forde is feeling the pressure after his team was thoroughly dismantled by a short-handed Perth Wildcats in an NBL Ignite game last night, falling 110-78.

To make matters worse, the Taipans face Melbourne United tomorrow – a team that already beat them by 35 points this season. With most expecting another loss, can Cairns prove the NBL community wrong?

The Taipans remain undermanned, with Sam Waardenburg, Jack McVeigh, and possibly Alex Higgins-Titsha all sidelined. But like the Brisbane Bullets, Cairns often thrives under adversity.

Last season, they pulled off a major upset by defeating Melbourne United on their home court, 97-88 — giving Forde hope for a repeat performance.

If they’re going to pull it off, import Admiral Schofield must come mentally prepared. After last night’s game, Schofield was involved in a physical altercation with Lat Mayen and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., a moment many saw as too little, too late – wishing he’d shown that same intensity during the game.

One thing is clear: Cairns, who have lost half of their games by 30+ points, need to bounce back quickly. And what better way than by handing Melbourne United their first defeat of the season?