Key Matchups NBL1: Week 5

Image Credit: SkyJayd.Photography

With a massive weekend of ANZAC Round action coming your way across all five conferences, here is one match from each that you should keep your eye on. 

Don't miss a single minute of NBL1 action this season! Watch every game LIVE & FREE via NBL1.com.au and the NBL1 app. 

NBL 1 WEST WOMEN'S - Rockingham Flames vs. Mandurah Magic

Facing off for the second time this season, this battle is sure to be an exciting one between Rockingham and Mandurah.

The Flames suffered their only loss so far to the Magic, but have since gained Teige Morrell who has brought plenty alongside Amy Atwell, Stephanie Berberabe, and new addition Sara Puckett, as they look primed to extend their excellent run of form. 

The Magic have looked very strong though, and with sisters Claire and Mia Jacobs leading the way there is no reason that they can't deliver a second loss to this Rockingham outfit. 

NBL 1 SOUTH MEN'S - Sandringham Sabres vs. Knox Raiders

The reigning champions Sandringham will welcome the Knox Raiders for what is sure to be a top-tier battle. The Raiders have had a strong start to 2026, sitting in second place with a 4-1 record, while Sandringham have started a little slower at 2-3.

With two stacked lineups of players though, this could be anyone's game on the night. The Raiders boast an excellent list of high-level talent from the NBL and elsewhere, with Brandon Slater and Trazarien White leading the way, and NBL talents Jordan Hunter, Brody Nunn, Kobe Williamson, and Tad Dufelmeier in strong form.

At Sandringham, Melbourne United stars Kyle Bowen and Malith Machar have been strong to start the season, though Machar has missed the last couple of weeks. Elliott Brown has also provided great support, and seems to be developing brilliantly.

At 2-3, Sandringham are in need of a victory to keep their championship defence on track, and getting that win against a tough Knox Raiders side would be a huge momentum booster. 

NBL 1 CENTRAL WOMEN'S - Sturt Sabres vs. Southern Tigers

Starting the season at 5-0, the Sturt Sabres women have been tough to defeat so far in 2026. With only one other undefeated side in the West Adelaide Bearcats, they may not be in danger until they face that side, but until then the Southern Tigers are certainly a chance at giving them a shake. 

Sitting in fourth-place at 3-2 with a strong point percentage, the Tigers are the third-best defensive side in the conference and will aim to come out on top by doing just that.

Mollie McKendrick has starred for the Tigers this season with 22.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per game and will lead the way, while the trio of Tayla Brazel, Nicola Mathews, and Katia Stamatelopoulos have all been influential for Sturt and will need to be stopped. 

NBL 1 EAST MEN'S - Illawarra Hawks vs. Norths Bears

Undefeated in both the Men's and Women's competitions, the Norths Bears have been unbelievable in NBL1 East this year. Provided the Men's side can make it past the Sydney Comets on ANZAC Day though, they will encounter a huge test on Sunday in last season's first-placed side the Illawarra Hawks. 

Fabijan Krslovic, Lachlan Bofinger, Bailey Hanson, and Iggy Mitchell have led the way in what has been a lethal combination for the Bears, and it'll be hard for any side to stop them right now, but Todd Blanchfield will certainly give it his best shot, flanked by Matt Mims who has also had a brilliant start to the year. 

With star power on each side, this one is sure to have fans on the edge of their seats. 

NBL 1 NORTH WOMEN'S - Mackay Meteorettes vs. Southern Districts Spartans

Finishing us off, we've got two strong outfits in the North who started the season brilliantly with victories last weekend. 

The Southern Districts Spartans had a solid first night after finishing as runners up in 2025, with Jess and Hayley McDowell-White, as well as Kalani Purcell and Abby Solway all putting in terrific showings in their side's dominant 44-point win over Brisbane. 

Mackay also had a strong win with a sister pairing leading the way as Monique and Cheyenne Bobongie had impressive nights alongside River Baldwin, Charli Kenny, Alley Simpson, and Nikita Muscat who all dropped 10+ points. 

These sides are full of talent and depth, and this will surely make for an exciting matchup on ANZAC Day. 

Don't miss a single minute of NBL1 action this season! Watch every game LIVE & FREE via NBL1.com.au and the NBL1 app.