Sleeping Giant May Have Awoken; Where Stumbling No.1 Seed Can Improve — NBL Power Rankings
The NBL ladder is heating up. Melbourne United appears dominant, but challengers like the Phoenix and 36ers are proving to be strong contenders. Injuries and inconsistency are causing shifts in the middle and lower parts of the table, while this round’s matchups could reshape the title race.
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 achieving a perfect 10-0 start to the season. Their unbeaten run was stopped by the Sydney Kings, who won 95–92 at John Cain Arena.
Despite the loss, there is little cause for concern in Melbourne. Starting the season with ten straight victories is impressive, and losing only after a third of the campaign is a positive sign.
United has yet to reintegrate Shea Ili, whose return is expected to further strengthen the team and help maintain their status as the NBL’s top defensive unit.
“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.”
All focus now shifts to tonight’s game, a rematch of the NBL25 Finals against the Illawarra Hawks at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.
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The NBL competition is intensifying as top teams face crucial tests, while Melbourne United looks to solidify its dominant stance despite a narrow recent setback.