Sleeping Giant May Have Awakened; Where Stumbling No.1 Seed Can Improve — NBL Power Rankings
The NBL ladder is heating up. Melbourne United look untouchable, but challengers such as the Phoenix and 36ers are proving they belong in the title race. Injuries and inconsistency are shaking up the middle and lower parts of the table, while this round’s matches could clarify who is a genuine contender for the championship. Here are the NBL Power Rankings entering Round 8.
Melbourne United
- Record: 9-1
- Offensive Rank: 1st
- Defensive Rank: 1st
- Previous Rank: 1st
Melbourne United nearly made franchise history by almost starting the season with a perfect 10-0 record. Their streak was ended by the Sydney Kings, who edged them out 95–92 at John Cain Arena. Despite this narrow loss, there is no cause for concern in Melbourne.
Winning ten straight games to start a season is a remarkable feat, and if your first loss comes more than a third of the way through the campaign—things are going pretty well.
United have yet to see the return of Shea Ili, whose comeback will bolster the roster and help maintain their position as the NBL’s top defensive team. Attention now turns to tonight’s matchup, a rematch of the NBL25 Finals, against the Illawarra Hawks at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.
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Author's summary: Melbourne United remain the dominant force in the NBL despite a recent close loss, with key players returning soon to strengthen their championship pursuit.