Another delay to season’s start

THE start of the NBL season has been delayed until Friday week as part of a rolling and revised draw, thanks to COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closures.

The season was supposed to start on Sunday with the “Throwdown” between Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix in Bendigo. However, Victoria and NSW now will not host matches during the opening stages of the season.

The season will instead tip off five nights later with matches in Cairns and Perth.

The Taipans will host the Hawks at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena, while Melbourne United will travel west to meet the Wildcats at the RAC Arena.

“We always knew we would have to respond to the challenges of COVID-19, and the travel restrictions that would be imposed by our various state governments from time to time,” NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

“This is why we proceeded on the basis of a rolling schedule, which will hopefully minimise the inconvenience for our teams and our fans.

“The changes we have made to the schedule ensure the season can get under way in a timely manner and ... be confident of still being able to complete the season in June.

“We are also hopeful of the New Zealand Breakers being able to play some home games in front of their fans in New Zealand later in the season.”

The Breakers and the Phoenix are based in Hobart; Sydney Kings and the Hawks are in Albury; and Melbourne United is in Cairns.

“This ensures they can train and travel relatively freely,” Loeliger said.