DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Round 1, Game 1 v Tasmania JackJumpers

The start of Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season is finally here!

We are set to rekindle our rivalry with the Tasmania JackJumpers when we head to Hobart for the latest edition of The Bass Strait Battle, powered by Marinus Link.

Last season, we thrived on the road, putting together a 12-6 record away from John Cain Arena, while Tasmania made MyState Bank Arena their fortress, winning nine of their 12 games in front of their fans in Glenorchy.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Speaking during the week, import guard Milton Doyle touched on what he and his teammates have learned across offseason outings.

“(We’ve learned) that we just play with pace, trust each other, and we’ll be able to figure things out during the game,” he said.

“I think that (Round 1) is where you build team chemistry… getting your identity down pat and just getting out rhythm going.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

Our new-look import big-man Jesse Edwards has been on fire since touching down in Australia, dominating games with his size and length in the paint.

Across three outings, Edwards has shot the ball at 76% from the field, while averaging a 14.7-point, 10 rebound double-double.

For the JackJumpers, it will be Will Magnay that will be doing his best to slow the Dutch giant. In his two games at the NBL Blitz, Magnay averaged 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. 

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEST, Thursday 18 September, 2025

Where: MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy

Watch: Disney+ and Kayo