Melbourne United starts the new NBL season with a strong lineup, including Joe Ingles, as they take on the Adelaide 36ers in the opening round. The game is scheduled to take place at John Cain Arena on Saturday, September 19, at 7:30pm AEDT. Trevor Gleeson, the new head coach of the Adelaide 36ers, will face off against his former team, with six-time MVP Bryce Cotton leading the charge. The opening round will also see the Perth Wildcats take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena, with the New Zealand Breakers facing the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on Sunday, September 20. The Sydney Kings will host the Cairns Taipans at Qudos Bank Arena, while the Tasmania JackJumpers will take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix at MyState Bank Arena on Monday, September 21. The Brisbane Bullets will face the New Zealand Breakers on Tuesday, September 22, with the Cairns Taipans hosting the Tasmania JackJumpers at Cairns Convention Centre on Wednesday, September 23. The South East Melbourne Phoenix will then take on Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Thursday, September 24, with the Perth Wildcats facing the Adelaide 36ers at RAC Arena. The NBL27 schedule features 165 games across 21 rounds, with 20 Ignite Cup games, four themed rounds, and the return of the popular 12 Days of Christmas fixture block. Round 7 will feature the return of Hungry Jack's Rookie Round, shining a spotlight on grassroots basketball and the league's emerging young talent. And with the league's growing talent and entertainment appeal, fans can expect an exciting season ahead. The NBL will launch straight into the heart of AFL and NRL finals season, with 13 games scheduled across the opening nine days. So, get ready for a thrilling season of NBL action, with Melbourne United leading the charge. But the team will face stiff competition from other top teams, including the Perth Wildcats and the Sydney Kings. Melbourne United's head coach will be looking to make a strong impression, with a focus on defense and rebounding. The team's star players, including Joe Ingles, will be key to their success. With a packed schedule and a strong lineup, Melbourne United is set to make a big impact in the 2026-27 NBL season.