Key NBL1 Matchups: Week 2

Image Credit: Tom Rees @tomreesmedia

With three 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 WEST WOMEN - Cockburn Cougars vs. Willetton Tigers - 

The defending NBL1 West champions the Cockburn Cougars have had a terrific start to the 2026 season, with a plethora of stars putting up solid numbers in their 27-point win over the Perth Redbacks last week. 

Round 2 will be their first game at home this season, and they'll look to show plenty more with WNBL star Alex Ciabattoni leading the way after a massive performance in her Cougars return.

However, despite losing their first game of the season the Willetton Tigers will have plenty to prove in this one. With Ruby Porter leading the way, who returns to Cockburn for the first time since departing the club in the offseason, she will want to pick up a huge scalp against her old side to deliver thee Tigers their first win of the season. 

Finishing with 16 points and 3 assists in Round 1, a big performance from Porter will be crucial to get her side over the line. 

Which team will come out on top? Tune in to the NBL1 West Game of the Week at 6:20pm AWST on Thursday April 2, live & free via Kayo Freebies.

NBL1 SOUTH MEN - Knox Raiders vs. Casey Cavaliers - 

The Knox Raiders secured an enormous signature this week, with South East Melbourne Phoenix star Jordan Hunter joining the club for the 2026 NBL1 South season.

Hunter will add plenty of quality to an already stacked lineup, with the likes of Trazarien White, Brandon Slater, Brody Nunn, Tad Dufelmeier, and Kobe Williamson all putting up solid numbers in the side's win over the Keilor Thunder last week.

The addition of Hunter could make this lineup unstoppable, but the Casey Cavaliers will be hungry to prove otherwise. Despite losing their first game, the Cavaliers have some genuine quality in their roster.

Melbourne United star Tanner Krebs will lead the way after crossing over to Casey from the Ringwood Hawks, while South East Melbourne Development Player Patrick Ryan continues to improve and will be a strong piece for Casey this season. Add in the veteran presence of Preston Bungei and a range of quality talent to round out the depth, and the Cavaliers are certainly no walkover this season.

Can they prove this against the Raiders? Find out on Thursday April 2, at 8:30pm AEDT, live & free via NBL1.com.au and the NBL1 app. 

NBL1 CENTRAL WOMEN - Woodville Warriors vs. Sturt Sabres

Round 3 of NBL1 Central has arrived and we have a Grand Final rematch on our hands. The Woodville Warriors got to work on the Sturt Sabres in last year's decider, and now the Sabres will be out for revenge in 2026.

Sturt have started the season brilliantly, with a 2-0 record, while the Woodville Warriors have seen mixed results after a bit of turnover in the playing group and sit at just 1-1. 

With strong depth across the court, Sturt's stars have contributed well so far with Nicola Mathews, Tayla Brazel, Katia Stamatelopoulos, and Zoe Walker-Roberts all averaging over 10.0 points per game. 

Similar can be said for Woodville though, with Ambah Kowcun and Naomi Allotey continuing their strong form from last year, and new additions Brittany Hodges and Taylor Ortlepp strengthening the lineup massively.

With fairly even lineups across the board, which side will take the chocolates heading into Easter? They go head to head on Thursday April 2 at 6:30pm ACDT.

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