Basketball On The Internet.

THERE'S an open-air game, plus a shift to a new (old?) venue as the NBL celebrates Christmas under the new and so vastly improved regime.

Why the clubs didn't embrace all this more than a year ago when it first was on offer ahead of the 2014-15 season remains a mystery but thank Naismith they did and we have what we have now, even with its flaws.

The round opens tonight with Adelaide, which hasn't seen any action for 11 days, hosting Melbourne with United ahead 2-0 in the season-series.

Mitch Creek had been battling appendix pain and last week had an appendectomy so will be missing from Titanium Security Arena's hardwood.

The last time these teams met it turned into a thrilling finish so it should start off this abbreviated Christmas round in fine fettle.

Then reigning champ New Zealand faces the Sydney Kings in their first game at their new (old?) venue at Sydney Olympic Park.

The Kings will want to put on a show, Joe Connelly's even going to wear a new singlet, and hopefully their sometimes fairweather fans will stay with them.

Finally to Hisense Arena where the roof will be opened for Melbourne's game with Perth, which, I hear apparently originally was scheduled for Etihad Stadium but they refused to open the roof.

We haven't had this novelty for a while and it should be interesting, depending on the weather.

When all's said and done, this is an open-and-shut case of the top two teams on the ladder in action which, in itself, should draw a big crowd.

THIS WEEK'S TIPS

MELBOURNE have a couple of breaks in their favour, the 36ers' extended break from match-play one of them (depending on how long it takes to shake the rust) and Mitch Creek's absence. Creek is a real energy spark for Adelaide, starting or off the bench so the onus falls on others to be vibrant. Lucas Walker and Nathan Sobey can bring it and if Adam Gibson is ready to play, Melbourne's malaise will continue.

WITH Julian Khazzouh's season sadly over through injury, the truth is the Kings' season is over too. Sure, Angus Brandt will see more time but he has been playing well anyway and now the pressure goes on to next tier players such as Jeromie Hill to seize their chance. New Zealand had its pants lowered for a home spanking last round and won't be taking any prisoners. Expect big games from Corey Webster and Charles Jackson.

JERMAINE Beal went off for a season-high 40 points when the Wildcats torched Melbourne in Perth. It's probably just a coincidence it was Beal's shot Majok Majok controversially blocked to get United home the first time. Now it will be Chris Goulding wanting to show his wares at home but truth is Perth is bigger and deeper while the season also is reaching that point where Dean Demopoulos might be sounding like elevator music.

NBL RANKINGS This Wk-Prev (Record)

8 (8) KINGS 4-13 - Only have to deal with NZ coming off a home humiliation.

7 (7) TAIPANS 6-10 - Narrow losses have added up. Not so Merry Christmas.

6 (6) CROCODILES 7-12 - Have a bye but wishing it was Perth on the schedule.

5 (5) 36ERS 8-9 - Coming off a bye and must get United or risk losing contact.

4 (4) UNITED 11-6 - Catch Adelaide without Creek but do they have a paddle?

3 (2) BREAKERS 10-6 - Will be revved and riled after Hawks belting.

2 (3) HAWKS 10-7 - Proved they are in elite company with season greetings in NZ.

1 (1) WILDCATS 13-6 - Road loss wasn't unexpected but will be right for United.

WNBL RANKINGS This Wk-Prev (Record)

9 (9) CAPITALS 0-15 - Genuinely staring at an Easter egg in W column for the season.

8 (8) LIGHTNING 5-9 - Have unearthed a gem in Ciabattoni ... but not much else.

7 (7) BOOMERS 7-9 - Could some of the gals be more worried about Opals than Boomers?

6 (6) STARS 8-7 - Impressive win over champs and very much in the playoff mix.

5 (3) SPIRIT 9-7 - Simon Pritchard would love a Secret Santa surprise box of consistency.

4 (4) RANGERS 8-6 - Kris Kringle kame through but not with a klean sweep.

3 (5) FLAMES 10-5 - Leap-frogged Spirit and Rangers but still have work to do.

2 (2) FIRE 9-5 - Chris Lucas may be dying his chest hair with this much cause for grey.

1 (1) LYNX 11-4 - Best status at a season recess since Andy Stewart last played his bagpipes.

DIS-SPIRITED? At its best, Bendigo can win the WNBL. Other times, they're quite confusing.

KNOCK KNOCK

Who's there?

Santa.

Santa who?

San'tonio may be the one to get Golden State, come playoffs.

TOMORROW: Hey it's Christmas, and time for some caroling, surely...