Inside revenge game of the year; little brother can send leaders into spiral — NBL Burning Questions

With Round 8 shaping up as one of the most intriguing yet, the burning questions are flying everywhere. Can Bryce Cotton get revenge on the Perth Wildcats in his first showdown against his former club?

Are Melbourne United ready to bounce back and reclaim bragging rights over their so-called “little brothers”, the South East Melbourne Phoenix?

And which team can reignite their season – the Tasmania JackJumpers, or the side that stunned them last weekend?

All the answers will come this round… but for now, let’s dive into Burning Questions!

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McGee throws down the reverse dunk! | 00:39

DOES BRYCE COTTON GET REVENGE ON HIS FORMER TEAM?

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated clashes of the NBL season. Bryce Cotton – the five-time MVP and former face of the Perth Wildcats – goes head-to-head with his old club for the first time since his shock departure.

The build-up has been fiery. Cotton’s move to Adelaide sent shockwaves through the league, and with plenty of tension simmering since, Sunday’s showdown promises to be nothing short of explosive.

Wildcats head coach John Rillie didn’t mince words when speaking exclusively to Fox Sports Australia:

“He’s going to feature very heavily on the scouting report. No doubt about that. At the same time, we as a team have a lot of things we need to work on.”

Adelaide enters the clash sitting third on the NBL ladder at 6-2, while Perth sits at 5-5 – desperate to prove they’re still a contender without their former superstar.

Wildcats guard Ben Henshall has already added fuel to the fire.

“We’ve had so many battles at practice. I always say I’m the Bryce-stopper – I just try to get under his skin. It’s going to be a great battle.”

Expect fireworks from the opening tip. The Wildcats have taken their last three trips to Adelaide, and with emotions running high, this latest chapter in one of the league’s fiercest rivalries could be the most heated yet.

NBL Wrap: Cotton stars in narrow victory | 02:10

CAN MELBOURNE UNITED TOPPLE THEIR “LITTLE BROTHER”?

For nine games, Melbourne United were untouchable – undefeated, unstoppable, and sitting alone atop the NBL mountain. But the last two games has told a very different story. Two straight losses – first to the unpredictable Sydney Kings, then to the resurgent Illawarra Hawks – have raised questions for the league’s early-season juggernaut.

In fairness, United’s brutal 48-hour turnaround didn’t help. They went toe-to-toe with Sydney but never quite found their rhythm, then ran into a JaVale McGee clinic in Wollongong that handed them a 14-point defeat.

Now comes a blockbuster chance at redemption – and it couldn’t be against a more fitting opponent. Their cross-town rivals, the South East Melbourne Phoenix, or as some United fans love to call them, the “little brother.”

The Phoenix have been one of the league’s hottest teams, sitting in the top three for most of the season and staking a serious claim as the NBL’s No. 2 outfit. And the numbers back it up. These two Victorian powerhouses rank first and second in points per game, and both sit inside the top tier for rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, three-point shooting, and turnovers forced.

Add in the spice of Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari’s early-season jab at Chris Goulding – calling him “The Flopper” – and this rivalry has more fuel than ever.

Expect a statement game from both sides. For Melbourne United, it’s a chance to steady the ship and remind everyone who’s boss in Victoria. For the Phoenix, it’s an opportunity to finally knock big brother off his perch.

This isn’t just a regular-season game – it’s a fight for bragging rights, pride, and control of Melbourne basketball.

Kings conquer United! End nine-game run | 01:38

CAN THE JACKJUMPERS FLIP THE NARRATIVE?

The Tasmania JackJumpers have just endured a week they’ll want to move on from fast. A brutal come-from-behind loss to the Perth Wildcats stunned their loyal fans, before a shock defeat to the bottom-placed Cairns Taipans at the Silverdome rubbed salt into the wound.

Now, it’s gut-check time. With a pair of games this round – one at the Silverdome and the other at MyState Bank Arena – Tasmania has a golden opportunity to reset, regroup, and reignite their season.

Their upcoming opponents couldn’t be more telling of where the JackJumpers stand. First, a battle with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, one of the NBL’s form teams, boasting elite balance on both ends of the floor. Then, a clash with the Brisbane Bullets, who come armed with the offensive firepower of Casey Prather and the interior presence of Tyrell Harrison. Two games, two very different tests.

To make things tougher, the JackJumpers may be without TJ Starks, their injury-replacement import, leaving their already-thin rotation even more stretched. But if there’s one thing Tasmania has built its identity on, it’s resilience – grit, defence, and finding a way to win when backs are against the wall.

Their early-season form hasn’t been disastrous, but the league’s contenders are moving fast – and the JackJumpers know it’s time to respond.

This week isn’t just about wins. It’s about reclaiming the edge, rediscovering their trademark toughness, and flipping the narrative before it’s too late.

“We know how the league protects Bryce” | 00:52

CAN THE CAIRNS TAIPANS STOP JAVALE MCGEE?

JaVale McGee just reminded the entire NBL why he’s a legitimate MVP contender. His 37-point, 14-rebound domination of Melbourne United wasn’t just a statement – it was a warning. And now, as McGee and the Illawarra Hawks prepare to face the Cairns Taipans this weekend, the question writes itself: can anyone stop him?

Cairns enter the matchup on a high after upsetting the Tasmania JackJumpers on their home floor – but this challenge is another level entirely. The Hawks are one of the premier rebounding teams in the league, while the Taipans sit in the bottom third – a worrying stat when a three-time NBA champion is patrolling the paint.

The good news? Jack McVeigh has been a revelation since returning to the lineup. His scoring punch has reignited the Taipans’ offence and taken pressure off the rest of the roster. His confidence and energy will be vital if Cairns are to go toe-to-toe with McGee and company.

So how do you slow down JaVale McGee? You make him work. Be physical, deny him deep post position, and force him to the free-throw line instead of giving up easy dunks. In transition, cut off his runs early – wear him down, frustrate him, and make him earn every bucket.

If the Taipans can set the tone early, win the hustle stats, and find offensive rhythm behind McVeigh’s leadership, they might just shock the Hawks – and the rest of the league – again.

Because right now, stopping JaVale McGee isn’t just about one game. It’s about proving you can stand tall against the NBL’s newest superstar.