Key NBL1 Matchups: Week 8

Image Credit: Michael Farnell @sportsimageryau

We've got NBL1 action across four conferences this weekend, with NBL1 Central on a break for the weekend. Here is one matchup from each conference you should be keeping an eye on, including two blockbuster women's Grand Final rematches. 

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'S - Warwick Senators vs Cockburn Cougars

This NBL1 West Grand Final rematch is sure to live up to the lofty standards of last year's decider, given the position that each side sits in headed into the round. 

The Cougars remain undefeated in 2026 after going the whole season without a loss in 2025, and they're looking extremely strong once again. However, the Senators are very competitive this year as well, sitting in fourth place, and will look to hand the Cougars a shock loss on Saturday. 

With a pair of well-rounded lineups full of elite-level talent hitting the court in this blockbuster, it will be interesting to see which squad gets the upper hand.

NBL1 EAST MEN'S - Canberra Gunners vs Bankstown Bruins

The 2025 Men's National Champions the Canberra Gunners are once again flying to start the 2026 season, sitting atop the NBL1 East Ladder with a 7-0 record.

With returning names like Will Mayfield, Glenn Morison, Cam Pender, Evan Wardlow, and James Toohey continuing to put their best foot forward alongside Darnell Hoskins who has been an excellent new addition, the Gunners have been tough to stop. 

Bankstown have a strong list of names though, with veteran Jason Cadee and NBL star Alex Higgins-Titsha, as well as a strong list of talent alongside them in Deonte Williams, Anthony Mundine III, and Tederick Wolfe. 

If the Bruins can bring their best, they will easily have the talent to make it a battle with the reigning champions. 

NBL1 SOUTH WOMEN'S - Geelong United vs Knox Raiders

Another Grand Final rematch for the weekend, the Knox Raiders were the giant killers of last season as they took out the undefeated Geelong United side in the NBL1 South decider.

United have struggled to start the 2026 season now, after falling short in the Grand Final, but have won two games in a row and are carrying plenty of momentum into this weekend's game. 

The reigning National Champions Knox have been somewhat up and down to start the year, with a record of 6-4, but they certainly won't want to fall any further and will look to keep their season on track with another big win over Geelong on Saturday. 

NBL1 NORTH MEN'S - Ipswich Force vs Brisbane Capitals

Rounding us out, we have an exciting battle between the Ipswich Force and the Brisbane Capitals in NBL1 North.

Despite gaining Sam McDaniel from the Capitals in the offseason, the Force have had a slow start to the year so far, sitting in 9th position with a 1-3 record. Though, they have gained Lamar Patterson after his recent return from injury, and will look to be competitive and climb up the ladder in the next few weeks. 

The Capitals have still managed to show some impressive form, led by stat machine Jarred Bairstow, and won't be wanting to give up their top-four position. 

This matchup will be an important one in indicating where these teams really sit in NBL1 North this year, given both have the personnel to make a deep and successful run into finals. 

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