Key NBL1 Matchups: Week 4

With NBL1 North tipping off this weekend, we've got action coming our way from all five conferences for the first time this season.

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. 

NBL 1 NORTH MEN'S - Southern Districts Spartans vs. Brisbane Capitals 

Kicking us off, we've got the first of three massive NBL1 Men's Grand Final rematches as the Southern Districts Spartans take on the Brisbane Capitals. 

The Spartans swept the Capitals 2-0 in the 2025 NBL1 North Grand Final Series, with Tamuri Wigness starring in his side's pair of memorable victories. 

Wigness returns for the Spartans this season as they look to repeat their heroics of last year, while the Capitals will come into the contest with a new-look lineup after losing a number of key names, including Isaih Tueta who will line up on the opposite side after signing with the reigning champions over the offseason. 

Will the Spartans carry their momentum in 2026, or will the Capitals get one back on them in the first game of the season?

NBL 1 EAST WOMEN'S - Norths Bears vs. Sutherland Sharks

The Norths Bears have started the 2026 season on an absolute tear, sitting atop both the Men's and Women's NBL1 East ladders with a pair of 4-0 records. 

It's the Women however who have been especially impressive, led by the brilliance of 2025 NBL1 South MVP Jaz Shelley who has averaged 23.5 points to start the season, alongside the solid form of names like Issy Morgan, Caitlyn Morgan, and Emma and Rebecca Donnelly. 

The Sharks however, are also undefeated and have a stacked lineup of names that are expected to do some damage in 2026. Lauren Nicholson leads the way, dropping 29 points in her first game back, while Maddy Norris and Abi Curtin provide unbelievable support for the veteran. 

Which team will hand the other their first loss of 2026? Only time will tell, but this one is sure to be a blockbuster. 

NBL 1 SOUTH MEN'S - Sandringham Sabres vs. Melbourne Tigers

Adding to our list of Grand Final rematches, Sandringham and Melbourne did not disappoint last year on the final day of the NBL1 South season and they're sure to put on another show with two stacked lineups hitting the court. 

Melbourne have impressed so far with Andrew Gaze at the helm once more. George Blagojevic has led the way in his first season with side, dropping 25.3 points per game in a dominant start. Tom Wilson and Jack Purchase have again been impressive in their returns to the team, while Josh Sykes has added plenty of explosiveness to their frontcourt.

For Sandringham, the addition of Kyle Bowen has been an excellent one, with him and Melbourne United teammate Malith Machar enjoying a solid run of form. Youngster Elliott Brown has also enjoyed a strong start to the year, averaging 16.0 points and 4.0 assists per game. 

The talent on each side stacks up pretty evenly here, and should make for an exciting battle. 

NBL 1 WEST WOMEN'S - Lakeside Lightning vs. Cockburn Cougars

The Cockburn Cougars have built upon their undefeated NBL1 West season in 2025, enjoying a 3-0 start to 2026. In this game though, they come up against a Lakeside Lightning lineup that have impressed massively in their 2-1 start to the year. 

The professionalism of the Cougars will be the biggest problem for the Lightning, with a massive list of contributors boasting WNBL experience. Alex Ciabattoni has been the standout so far, and has been supported brilliantly by the form of Jessie Edwards, Jewel Williams, and rising stars like Alira Fotu and Jaya Scafidi. 

Lakeside have been a fun watch though, relying on a three-point heavy game style which has seen them hit 47 three-pointers over their first three games this season.

Led by excellent starts to the season from Esmeralda Morales and Samantha Roscoe, excitement is certainly brewing around this side in 2026, and there's no ruling out an upset here considering their unique approach.

NBL 1 CENTRAL MEN'S - Central Districts Lions vs. West Adelaide Bearcats

Rounding out our key matchups, we have a third Men's Grand Final rematch for the weekend. The Bearcats toppled the Lions in an exciting battle to finish 2025, but both sides have struggled with 1-3 starts to the new season. 

The massive improvements of the Manyang brothers Magok and Deng have given Lions fans plenty to be excited about, with Magok having a particularly impressive start with a conference-high of 28.8 points to go along with 10.0 rebounds. 

Despite the massive losses of 2025 Central MVP Keanu Rasmussen, as well as Cam Huefner and Lat Mayen, the 2025 champions West Adelaide have replenished with a strong list of names from other conferences.

Braelen Bridges has been strong, averaging 19.5 points and 10.3 rebounds, while NBL1 West acquisitions Nik Desantis and De'Sean Parsons bring plenty to the side, with the latter having an excellent performance in his first game where he chalked up 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. 

This battle will certainly have a different look and feel to what it did at the end of 2025, but it's going to be exciting to see who comes out on top. 

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