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ARE either Perth or Sydney genuine challengers for the crown which seems headed for the collective head of Melbourne? Or are they simply masquerading as contenders, in much the same way South East and Brisbane have recently been exposed? Good questions and NBL Round 9 will answer some of them.

And while the Wildcats-Kings showdown looms as the match of the round, don't discount the Brisbane-Illawarra game which closes it.

The Bullets stumbled in the endgame to surrender consecutive losses while Illawarra responded to the debut of interim coach Justin Tatum by upsetting the Breakers in New Zealand. 

Was that just the natural reaction of the players, to rally in the wake of a coach sacking? Or did it signify substantial change to a team which has a roster far better than its results suggested?

That match should answer those queries, although we already will have some insight into the Bullets after their rematch with the Taipans in Cairns.

How fans of the Orange respond to Aron Baynes will be interesting, given his history in the region, contrasted by his suspension for the incidents from Brisbane's last game against Cairns.

That's a big game too, as is the challenge facing Adelaide, back in New Zealand, then down to Tasmania. It will be no holiday on the islands.

Speaking of the Breakers, their season is on the brink too, with Adelaide, then South East on the schedule. The Phoenix, who coughed up a 26-point second-half lead to grimly hang on last time against New Zealand, will be keen to make a statement after consecutive disappointing finishes against depleted Melbourne and derided Adelaide.

Finishing isn't its strength, but then South East is not an orphan in that boat.

ROUND 9 TIPS
They won already in NZ but if Adelaide does again, the Breakers are done. NZ wins.
Aron Baynes meets Lat Mayen again,  Brisbane in Cairns. Narrowly with Taipans.
Sydney in Perth is big, big, big. Which one is for real? Time for Kings to rule.
An unexpected thriller last time, this time it’s a Phoenix ‘must win’ over NZ.
Unlikely the 36ers can tame Tassie in Tassie, Jackies needing this win.
Maybe Melbourne is due a letdown after such great efforts. But to Cairns? No.  
Are the Hawks flying now? Are the Bullets blanks? Good questions. Brisbane.

NBL RANKINGS – WEEK 9
This          Last
Week       Week   Club
  1               1        Melbourne (10-2) Complacency or relief sigh are the enemy more than Cairns.
  2               4        Perth (7-5) Rise has been steady but beating champs would confirm status.
  3               2        Tasmania (7-5) Catch 36ers on second leg and in Tas should make this easier.
  4               3        Sydney (7-4) As good as advertised or over-rated? Perth is a great leveller.
  5               6        Cairns (4-6) Rare to rise when losing but there is potential here for resurgence.
  6               8        Adelaide (4-7) Already won in NZ this season so 1-1 split would be worst case.
  7               7        SEM (6-6) Bungled past two games, nearly blew to NZ last time. Must win.
  8               5        Brisbane (5-7) Falling at final hurdle but can go 2-0 if focused for 40 … twice.
  9              10       Illawarra (3-7) Is the revival for real or just Justin time? This is the next step.
10               9       New Zealand (3-7) Slipping slightly off the pace now and need this W badly.