NBL1 MVPs face off in NBL's Christmas day clash

The NBL will host Australia’s first Christmas Day game, with the NBL1 North MVP Kouat Noi taking on the NBL1 South MVP Shea Ili.

The Sydney Kings play Melbourne United on Christmas night at 6:30pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies and Foxtel, and Channel 10 (Melbourne & Sydney) and 10 Peach.

Noi led his USC Rip City to the NBL1 North Grand Final series, where they fell short to the Gold Coast Rollers. 

Noi averaged 26 points and 13 rebounds for the season and took that momentum straight into NBL23, hitting a game-winner against his old side and giving the Kings a much-needed spark off the bench in their hopes of back-to-back titles. 

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Ili was unable to finish the season due to Tall Blacks commitments, but the NBL1 South MVP and Defensive Player of the Year has already re-committed for the 2023 season. 

Next season Ili will be joined by player and coach David Barlow, David Okwera and CJ Asuncion-Byrd.

With an array of NBL1 talent on each side, including the inaugural Sydney Comets signings Iggy Mitchell, this Christmas Day clash will be one to watch for all NBL and NBL1 fans. 

Mark on your calendar: NBL1 games on public holidays for 2023 

With all the public holiday action the 2023 NBL1 season will feature, let’s take a look at some games you’ll need to mark in your calendar. 

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April 7: Good Friday 

On April 7 the West Adelaide Bearcats will host the South Adelaide Panthers in a championship doubleheader.

The reigning women’s Central champions will start the night by taking on the Preliminary Final runners-up the South Adelaide Panthers - who have re-signed Ashleigh Spencer, Hannah Stewart and Lauren Gibbons.

In the second game, the reigning men’s Central champions will take on the Bearcats. This will be a great night to sit back and watch some South Australian hoops. Watch it live starting from 7:00pm here. 

April 25-26: ANZAC Round games

In the NBL1’s first league-wide ANZAC Round, many of the conferences will host mid-week games to commemorate the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. 

Tuesday: 

NBL1 South: Waverley Falcons vs Diamond Valley Eagles double-header – Starting from 6:30 pm, watch the games live here.

NBL1 East: Sutherland Sharks vs Illawarra Hawks double-header – Starting from 3:30 pm, watch the games live here.

NBL1 Central: Forestville Eagles vs Central District Lions double-header – Starting from 6:30 pm, watch the games live here. 

Wednesday: 

NBL1 West: Rockingham Flames vs Lakeside Lightning double-header – Starting from 6:30 pm, watch the games live here. 

June 11: Queen’s birthday 

The key games to watch over the long weekend will be the Red City Roar hosting the South West Metro Pirates in a double-header.

Red City has made a significant amount of signings so far, bringing back a total of 11 players, and retaining most of their core from last season. 

FOLLOW THE 2023 NBL1 ROSTER TRACKER HERE

While the Pirates have made a number of key signings as well, bringing in former Southern District Spartan Leah Scott, NBL1 North champion Lamar Patterson and former AFL player Archie Smith. 

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Tune in for the fantastic NBL1 North clash starting at 1:00 pm, watch the games live here. 

(All times are local)