Crunch Time: The key storylines leading into Round 2

This six-game Round 2 slate features a number of blockbuster matchups and a long-awaited debut for an import.

>> CHECK OUT THE FULL WNBL27 SCHEDULE HERE

All the action tips off on Thursday night with the Southside Melbourne Flyers hosting the Tasmania Jewels at the Victorian State Basketball Centre from 7pm AEDT.

Courtney Ward takes a look at some of the key storylines ahead of Round 2.

>> How to watch WNBL27

The full schedule

Southside Melbourne Flyers v Tasmania Jewels - Thursday, October 22, 7pm AEDT - VIC State Basketball Centre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Sydney Flames v UC Capitals- Friday, October 23, 7pm AEDT - Quaycentre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Geelong Venom v Southside Melbourne Flyers - Saturday, October 24, 3pm AEDT - Microkeeper Arena
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Adelaide Lightning v Perth Lynx - Saturday, October 24, 7pm AEDT - SA State Basketball Centre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Townsville Fire v Sydney Flames - Sunday, October 25, 3pm AEDT - Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Bendigo Spirit v Townsville Fire - Tuesday, October 27, 7pm AEDT - Red Energy Arena
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – A massive debut in Geelong

After arriving in Australia on Wednesday, following a strong WNBA season with New York, Han Xu is slated to make her Geelong Venom debut on Saturday.

The Chinese superstar, who won the WNBL26 Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year award with Perth last season, will provide a huge boost to a Venom side that lost in Round 1 to Tasmania.

Her presence inside the paint, but also her ability to stretch the floor, will create plenty of opportunities for the likes of Maddy Rocci, Bec Cole and Alex Sharp to thrive.

Han averaged 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game last season, and I expect even stronger numbers this campaign.

Word is that Geelong is on track for a record crowd during Saturday’s home-opener, so all signs are pointing to a massive afternoon in Geelong.

Read more >> Attendance soars during WNBL27's Opening Week

2 – Blockbuster in the tropics

We may only be one round into WNBL27, but both Sydney and Townsville appear set for massive campaigns.

The Flames sit in first with a 2-0 record, after wins against Southside and Adelaide, while the reigning champions split their road games against the Lynx and Lightning.

This fixture will also mark Townsville’s first at home this season, meaning they will raise their fifth championship banner on the night.

If that’s not enough, the guard matchup of Abbey Ellis and Courtney Woods with Jaz Shelley and Lauren Nicholson, as well as potential Ally Wilson debut, looms as must-see hoops.

3 – Lightning’s response

Despite gallant performances in both of their Round 1 matches, the Lightning left Opening Week with a 0-2 record.

The next chance for Aja Parham-Ammar’s side, headlined by the likes of Steph Talbot, Shay Ciezki and Zitina Aokuso, to get on the board for WNBL27 comes on Saturday night, when they host a retooled Perth Lynx.

Perth will come into this clash full of confidence, having already defeated the reigning champions, and now adding star Anneli Maley back into the mix.

Expect an end-to-end clash between two sides with plenty of firepower.

Read more >> How to watch the WNBL27 Season

4 – Road challenge

Since the day the WNBL27 schedule was first released, the Tasmania Jewels’ main focus was their home-opener against Geelong.

Now that game has been successfully won in front of a sellout crowd, the Jewels’ real season starts.

They open Round 2 at the Victorian State Basketball Centre against the Flyers, in their lone fixture this weekend.

To make the fixture more challenging, Claudia Brassard’s team will be without bigs Keely Froling (injured) and Madina Okot (WNBA), meaning captain Darcee Garbin is set for a huge performance.

5 – Local derbies

Round 2 will see numerous local rivalries renewed, starting with the always entertaining Sydney and Canberra matchup.

Both sides, who have battled it out for Finals spots in recent seasons, are undefeated and have plenty of new players in their lineups.

Then Victorian rivals Geelong and Southside will clash, with the Venom featuring plenty of former Flyers, including Rocci, Cole and coach Cheryl Chambers.

As with any sport, these games always seem to mean a little more, with bragging rights on the line.