Worrying question for MVP candidate; contender’s remarkable advantage: NBL Talking Pts

Round 1 of the NBL has been and gone and what a round it was.

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From close finishes to blowouts and even European powerhouses taking on NBL teams, the first week of NBL action didn’t disappoint and now it’s time to break it all down in this weeks edition of NBL Talking Points.

REMARKABLE DEPTH HEADLINES EARLY CHAMPIONSHIP FAVOURITES

It’s no secret that I’ve been high on Melbourne United this offseason. With fresh faces, a younger roster, and the same winning culture, United are once again proving why they’re the benchmark of the NBL. After a gritty 88-84 opening night win over the Tasmania JackJumpers, they backed it up with a statement performance at home, dismantling the New Zealand Breakers 114-82.

Against the JackJumpers, United had to grind it out. Former JackJumper Milton Doyle led the way with 22 points, while big man Jesse Edwards made his presence felt on both ends with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

United’s edge on the offensive glass and their ability to get to the free-throw line — 12 more attempts than Tasmania — were decisive. And when it mattered most, Doyle closed the game in trademark fashion against his former club.

The second outing, however, was where United showed their true power. The 114-82 demolition of the Breakers highlighted not just their stars, but their remarkable depth. Five players hit double figures, with three coming off the bench. Tanner Krebs, Tom Wilson, and Dash Daniels provided valuable scoring punch, while Fabijan Krslovic and Kyle Bowen worked tirelessly in their roles.

Once again, the Doyle-Edwards duo was front and centre. Doyle finished with 15 points and 6 assists, while Edwards delivered a game-high 22 points and 6 rebounds.

If Melbourne United continue to play at this level and with Chris Goulding still to return, they’ll be a genuine threat in NBL26. Right now, they look every bit the championship favourites.

WORRYING QUESTION HANGS OVER MVP CANDIDATE

When fit, Parker Jackson-Cartwright is one of the NBL’s elite talents. An MVP candidate and the heartbeat of the New Zealand Breakers, his impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable. But the lingering effects of a rib injury are threatening to derail both his season and the Breakers’ campaign.

Last year, Jackson-Cartwright battled a rib issue late in the season, and it appears that same injury continues to trouble him heading into NBL26. He aggravated the problem again during the NBL Blitz, and early in the season, he has been visibly sore and frustrated, most notably in the Breakers’ heavy defeat to Melbourne United. In that game, he managed just 14 minutes, finishing with 5 points and 4 assists, far below his usual standards.

The contrast came against the Brisbane Bullets earlier in the round, where he reminded everyone of his brilliance with 16 points and a career-high 12 assists. Yet even then, there were clear signs of discomfort, raising the question: how long can he push through this injury before a break becomes inevitable?

For a team already 0-2, the Breakers face a difficult dilemma. In a league as tight as the NBL, early wins are crucial – drop too many, and the season can quickly slip away. But pushing their star too hard risks worsening the injury and jeopardising the bigger picture.

It’s a decision that could shape their season. Rest him now and lose ground early, or manage his minutes and hope he can carry the pain without breaking down. Either way, Jackson-Cartwright’s health is the storyline to watch for the Breakers moving forward.

THE ONE TEAM THAT COULD SURPRISE PLENTY THIS SEASON

In a hard-fought contest, the Brisbane Bullets opened their season in style, giving new head coach Stu Lash a perfect start to his NBL career.

With the 104-95 victory over the New Zealand Breakers, Lash now boasts a 100% win rate, and the Bullets showed glimpses of why many consider their offseason one of the strongest in the league.

The Bullets’ new-look roster, led by star recruits Jaylen Adams and Javon Freeman-Liberty, combined seamlessly with veterans Casey Prather and Tyrell Harrison. Harrison was the standout, dominating inside with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and a block. Prather provided his trademark scoring punch with 27 points, while Adams stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals. Freeman-Liberty added 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in a well-rounded performance.

Depth, however, remains the concern for Brisbane. That issue grew even sharper with the loss of veteran guard Mitch Norton, who left the game after a knee hyperextension and now awaits further scans. Fortunately, Alex Ducas was a spark off the bench, delivering 10 points and 3 assists while posting a +21 in just under 20 minutes.

The Bullets’ starting five is as good as any in the league, but their success this season will hinge on two factors: keeping their stars healthy and getting consistent contributions from their young role players. If they manage both, Brisbane has the potential to surprise plenty of people.

For now, it’s the perfect start. Over to you, Stu Lash, let’s see what you’re made of.