Must-Watch Games May 15 - 18

Feature image via: Low Post Shots

Despite a bye weekend for NBL1 Central, we still have an enormous amount of basketball action. 

With the couch and a rug becoming more and more appealing as we head into winter, check out the must-watch games this weekend live and free via Kayo Freebies. 

Round 7, Friday: Lakeside Lightning vs Perth Redbacks

Women's live from 6:30pm AWST | Men's live from 8:30pm AWST

Stars will collide Friday night as reigning NBL1 West MVP Teige Morrell will face off against superstar Anneli Maley in her second game back since the WNBA training camp. 

Playing against the best in the world, Maley fell just short of a roster spot in the heavily crowded WNBA talent pool. With the experience, she’s come back to Perth and will look to lead the Redbacks to their fifth win of the season. 

On the other side, the Lightning have struggled to maintain their stellar play from last season, currently sitting 4-4 on the ladder just inside the top eight. With the West women’s talent at an all-time high, it shouldn’t be surprising that Lakeside has slipped. But it means they should be even more motivated to re-enter the contender conversations and prove themselves against Natalie Chou and Maley’s Redback on Friday night. 

Round 7, Saturday: Keilor Thunder vs Waverley Falcons

Women's live from 6:00pm AEST | Men's live from 8:00pm AEST

In a salivating Grand Final rematch, the Keilor Thunder will host the defending champion Waverley Falcons on Saturday night. 

Sitting third and fourth on the ladder respectively, this will be a spectacular showcase with Maddy Rocci and Bec Cole battling it out on both ends.

While they will likely balance each other out, Waverley will have to heavily focus on reigning MVP Isabelle Bourne – averaging 27.4 points per game this season. Can the defending champions conquer the Keilor crowd? Or will the Thunder strike with revenge? 

Round 3, Saturday: Sunshine Coast Phoenix vs Mackay Meteorettes & Meteors 

Women's live from 6:00pm AEST | Men's live from 8:00pm AEST

The defending champions will head down to the stunning Sunshine Coast to face a retooled Phoenix. 

Mackay has been captained by two-time champion Jerron Jamerson, who leads the team in every category besides points so far this season. Averaging the second-most amount of points behind new recruit Makuach Maluach, Jamerson is on pace for another historic season in his new home. 

With the Phoenix doing their own major recruiting this offseason, former Perth Wildcat Earnest Ross has made an early impression on the conference. 

Having played in SEABL (formerly South), SBL (formerly West) and NBL1 Central, the 6’6” forward is very comfortable playing state-level basketball. Averaging a team-high 23.5 points and nine free-throws per game, this star will be at the top of Mackay’s scouting report.