Key NBL1 Matchups: 26 - 29 March

Image Credit: Rob Sheeley @robshots

With four NBL1 conferences hitting the court this weekend, here is one match from each conference that you should keep an eye on for the round. 

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

NBL1 EAST MEN - Maitland Mustangs vs. Illawarra Hawks 

A new look Maitland Mustangs side will hit the court this weekend in the NBL1 East Game of the Week, taking on last season's NBL1 East runner up the Illawarra Hawks.

Falling out of finals just one season after winning it all in 2024, Maitland have re-acquired the two-time East MVP Will Cranston-Lown following a year away at the Hobart Chargers in the South. 

In addition, they have secured the services of rival stars Mason Bragg and Myles Cherry to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026 season. 

Perhaps the biggest signature of all though was that of Cairns Taipans star Reyne Smith, who is sure to bring plenty of offensive presence to the side as they attempt to rise back up the ladder.

On the other side, 2025 East MVP Todd Blanchfield returns to lead the Hawks once again, and is joined this season by Illawarra NBL teammate Mason Peatling who spent last season at the Dandenong Rangers in NBL1 South.

The star duo will provide plenty of experience at both ends of the court, as the Hawks look to re-establish their excellent form from last season. 

The game will take place at 5:00pm AEDT on Saturday March 28th, live & free on NBL1.com.au, the NBL1 app, and Kayo Freebies. 

NBL1 WEST WOMEN - Willetton Tigers vs. East Perth Eagles

Another new-look NBL1 outfit, the East Perth Eagles will look to make a big splash in NBL1 West under new head coach Jonelle Morley. 

Acquiring three superstar players over the offseason, the Eagles are one of the teams to beat in 2026. Stacey Barr and Sarah Mortensen cross over from Grand Final sides Warwick and Cockburn, while the signing of Jasmin Fejo from NBL1 Central side Woodville was one of the biggest of the offseason. 

This matchup won't be an easy one though, as the Willetton Tigers also strengthened in a massive way. Alex Fowler joins the side after dropping buckets for fun at Perry Lakes in 2025, while Ruby Porter will also be a terrific addition after claiming the NBL1 West Grand Final MVP award with Cockburn last season. 

The game will take place at 5:00pm AWST on Saturday March 28th, live & free on NBL1.com.au and the NBL1 app.

NBL1 CENTRAL MEN - Forestville Eagles vs. South Adelaide Panthers 

Two sides that are loaded with talent, the Forestville Eagles and South Adelaide Panthers will be eager to pick up a win in Round 2. 

The Forestville Eagles picked up a strong victory in Round 1, and look to be a formidable contender again this season with plenty of strong returning names. 

Led by Round 1 NBL1 Central Foot Locker Player of the Week Daniel Johnson, a second win for the season would be huge for the side as they look to finish in first-place once again.

They come up against a side stacked with talent in South Adelaide, who will look to bounce back after a narrow loss to the Sturt Sabres last week. 

Jeremy Smith was excellent in his return game, while Lloyd McVeigh, Rio Bruton, Jonty Smith, and Yevgen Sakhniuk added strong performances to show that the Panthers won't be easy beats in 2026. 

Will they bounce back? Or will the chemistry of Forestville's core be too much to handle in Round 2?

The game will take place at 8:00pm ACDT on Saturday March 28th, live & free on NBL1.com.au and the NBL1 app.

NBL1 SOUTH WOMEN - Keilor Thunder vs. Knox Raiders

Another Game of the Week offering that is sure to turn heads, the 2025 NBL1 National Champions the Knox Raiders have reloaded their roster with stars and excellent role players ahead of 2026.

Getting the band back together, the side will be a contender once again in the South with the returns of Alicia Froling, Agnes Emma-Nnopu, Kristy Wallace, Paige Bradley, Rachel Bell, and Kiera Glover, amongst a host of other solid players. 

The Keilor Thunder won't be easy to stop once again this year though, after finishing fourth in NBL1 South last season. Led by Southside Melbourne Flyers WNBL star Maddy Rocci once again, along with fellow stars Isabelle Bourne and Lara McSpadden, the Thunder are set for another big year and will look to kick it off with a huge scalp on Saturday night against the reigning champs.

The game will take place at 6:00pm AEDT on Saturday March 28th, live & free on NBL1.com.au, the NBL1 app, and Kayo Freebies. 

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