This weekend the NBL1 will feature eight Grand Finals across four conferences, to determine the best of the best from the NBL1 East, South, West and Central.
2023 NBL1 CONFERENCE FINALS EXPLAINED
Catch the NBL1 Finals Live & Free via NBL1.com.au, NBL1 App and Kayo Freebies.
See the full NBL1 fixture here.
With Grand Finals games taking place across the country, here are the talking points going into the weekend, streaming Live & Free via Kayo Freebies.
(Women’s) Grand Final: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs Norths Bears
Where to watch: Saturday, 2:30pm AEST streaming Live & Free via Kayo Freebies
Who to watch for Manly Warringah: Felicity Henderson is coming off a near triple-double with 21 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, and will be a key in the Grand Final. The “Manly Family” culture will be tested against the Norths Bears.
Who to watch for Norths: In the Semi-Final Jolene Anderson caught fire with 26 points, making five three-pointers, in a masterclass against Shyla Heal’s Sydney Comets.
(Men’s) Grand Final: Maitland Mustangs vs Sutherland Sharks
Where to watch: Saturday, 5:00pm AEST streaming Live & Free via Kayo Freebies
Who to watch for Maitland: It’s hard to go past William Cranston-Lown, as the 23-year-old guard is averaging 20 points per game and has been the engine of the Mustangs’ two Grand Final appearances in the past two seasons.
Who to watch for Sutherland: The Sutherland Sharks struck gold with import signing Marquel Beasley, as the springy forward has been present on both ends with dunks and blocks as the empathic face of Sutherland’s Finals push this season.
(Women’s) Grand Final: Bendigo Braves vs Waverley Falcons
Where to watch: Saturday, 5:00pm AEST streaming Live & Free via Kayo Freebies
Who to watch for Bendigo: The MVP favourite Megan McKay has been nothing but dominant from Round 1 to the Preliminary Final. With 20 points and 20 rebounds against Mount Gambier, we’ll see what McKay can do against the Falcons.
Who to watch for Waverley: Bec Cole has been so close to a title for Waverley, falling short by three points against the Braves in the Preliminary Finals last year, so she is hungry for revenge.
(Men’s) Grand Final: Knox Raiders vs Sandringham Sabres
Where to watch: Saturday, 8:00pm AEST streaming Live & Free via Kayo Freebies
Who to watch for Sandringham: NBL point guard Ben Ayre will be ready to take on the home crowd at the State Basketball Centre on Saturday. Playing on the same court in 2019 for the inaugural NBL1 champion Nunawading, Ayre will be ready to lead his Sabres this weekend.
Who to watch for Knox: Ke'Jhan Feagin will be the key to Knox winning a title on their home floor, as he provides close to 20 points per game with 5.5 assists.
(Women’s) Grand Final: Sturt Sabres vs Norwood Flames
Where to watch: Saturday, 6:00pm ACST streaming Live & Free via Kayo Freebies
Who to watch for Norwood: You have to say it’s Ally Wilson. With 34 points and 17 rebounds against the Southern Tigers in the Preliminary Final, she will be the player to try to topple the undefeated Sabres.
Who to watch for Sturt: 19-year-old Tayla Brazel was awarded the Best Defensive Player this season and will have a mighty task ahead of her to try to defend the fiery hot Norwood squad.
(Men’s) Grand Final: Forestville Eagles vs West Adelaide Bearcats
Where to watch: Saturday, 8:00pm ACST streaming Live & Free via Kayo Freebies
Who to watch for Forestville: Athletic forward Greg Mays will be a handful for the Bearcats to handle. He can jump over any defender and is too strong to be pushed around.
Who to watch for West Adelaide: It all comes down to Mitch McCarron. The leader of the team and NBL star sets the tone on both ends and will boost his teammates to try win the Bearcats a title.
(Women’s) Grand Final: Cockburn Cougars vs Willetton Tigers
Where to watch: Friday, 7:30pm AWST streaming Live & Free via Kayo Freebies
Who to watch for Cockburn: The Cougars have been the best team in the NBL1 West and it’s off the back of Sarah Mortensen. Averaging 25 points per game and 11 rebounds, the Danish national team player will have to bring it against the Tigers.
Who to watch for Willetton: The two-time NBL1 West MVP has proven her Tigers can win a championship but Alex Sharp is trying to build a dynasty – with their third-straight Grand Final appearance and hopefully their second title in three years.
(Men’s) Grand Final: Geraldton Buccaneers vs Joondalup Wolves
Where to watch: Saturday, 7:00pm AWST streaming Live & Free via Kayo Freebies
Who to watch for Geraldton: NBL1 West First Team member Malik Meunier will be the player to watch. The young star has carried Geraldton back to the Grand Final and will want to finally claim a title for the Buccaneers.
Who to watch for Joondalup: After a disappointing finish last season, CJ Turnage will be hungry to bounce back and try to bring the Wolves a title. With 20 points and 10 rebounds against the defending champions, he will be the X-factor going into Saturday.
