Sleeping Giant May Have Awoken; Where Stumbling No.1 Seed Can Improve — NBL Power Rankings
The NBL ladder is intensifying. Melbourne United remains dominant, but teams like the Phoenix and 36ers are showing they’re true contenders. Injuries and inconsistency are shaking up the mid and lower table positions, while upcoming matchups this round could reshape the title race.
Power Rankings Entering Round 8
Melbourne United
- Record: 9-1
- Offensive Rank: 1st
- Defensive Rank: 1st
- Previous Rank: 1st
Melbourne United nearly achieved a perfect 10-0 start to the season but fell just short after a tight 95–92 loss to the Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena. Despite the defeat, their performance remains impressive, with their first loss coming well into the campaign. The team is yet to reintegrate Shea Ili, whose return is expected to enhance both offense and defensive stability.
“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.”
Focus now shifts to their upcoming match against the Illawarra Hawks at the WIN Entertainment Centre, a rematch of the NBL25 Finals.
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Author’s summary: Melbourne United leads the NBL with a strong 9-1 record, but fierce competition and critical upcoming games could challenge their dominance this season.