NBL to introduce Finals Play-In

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) will introduce the Finals Play-In next season which is guaranteed to shake-up the end of the season run for teams.

“We are very excited to announce that our Finals campaign will include a Play-In from next season, and believe it will add greatly to the excitement and intrigue as the season’s finalists are determined,” NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said. 

“We are assessing multiple models of how the Play-In will be structured and how many teams will be included and will make further announcements in the near future.

“We have seen how successful the Play-In concept has been in the NBA and the numerous benefits that it has delivered to fans. 

“Teams will stay in the hunt for the championship for that bit longer, Finals spots will be decided in new and innovative ways, and an extra layer of excitement will be added for our fans.”

The 2022 Hungry Jack’s NBL Finals series begins tonight with game one of Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers.

Full semi-final schedule is as follows.

(1) MELBOURNE UNITED v (4) TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS

Game 1: Thursday, April 28
Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers
John Cain Arena, 7:30pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo Freebies

Game 2: Saturday, April 30
Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United
MyState Bank Arena, 8pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo Freebies

Game 3 (if required): Monday, May 2
Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers
John Cain Arena, 7:30pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo Freebies

(2) ILLAWARRA HAWKS v (3) SYDNEY KINGS

Game 1: Friday, April 29
Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings
WIN Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo Freebies

Game 2: Sunday, May 1
Sydney Kings v Illawarra Hawks
Qudos Bank Arena, 3pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo Freebies, 10 Peach

Game 3 (if required): Tuesday, May 3
Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings
WIN Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo Freebies