Basketball: ANBL crown up for grabs

The race for the championship is wide open, with just five wins separating all 11 teams at the halfway mark of one of the closest seasons in league history.

With 10 rounds remaining, Adelaide (10-5 record) sits atop the table, narrowly ahead of Sydney (10-5), Wollongong (10-6) and Perth (11-7).

But in a season punctuated by player movement and unpredictable results, even last-placed Cairns (6-12) and the New Zealand Breakers (10th; 6-10) can still make the post-season.

"I don't think I can remember a season like it," Townsville guard John Rillie said.

"You always have a couple of runaway teams and a couple of teams that have no chance.

"But that's just not the case this year."

Brisbane (5th; 9-8) began the season a clear championship favourite, but still has plenty of work to do to ensure a berth in the top eight.

The club decided last week to sack injury-plagued import Kevin Freeman, who they considered a liability.

It was a gutsy move and mirrored those made by Perth and Cairns in recent weeks, who released blue-chip imports Rashad Tucker and Marcus Timmons respectively.

Tucker had steered the Cats to a 10-5 record, but with all clubs scratching for any edge they can find, Fisher decided Ontario Lett was a better fit for his team.

"It's very difficult to let someone go who has obvious talent, was playing well although his game was receding, but still can be a game winner," Fisher said.

"But we know it's a long way [to the playoffs] and the way things were going we weren't going to improve.

"With the personnel we have now, we will be able to improve and have a real say in how this thing pans out."

Sydney's shot at the league's first three-peat appeared gone following injuries to guards Luke Kendall (knee) and CJ Bruton (elbow).

But promising import Rolan Roberts has arrived and Bruton is expected back on December 29, reviving its fortunes.

Hunter (7th; 7-9), who have already more than tripled last year's two wins, are the big improvers.

Imports Brian Wethers and Kavossy Franklin, Ben Melmeth and Russell Hinder make for an impressive nucleus.

Melbourne (6th; 7-9) and West Sydney (8th; 7-9), two of the elite teams in recent seasons, are struggling to find their best form.

Townsville have an impressive roster, but a recent five-game losing streak dropped them from fifth to ninth.

But Rillie, one of five new Crocs this season, is trying to keep things in perspective.

"The Hawks were running away with it, but now they've lost three straight," he said. "There are definitely no clear-cut favourites right now."

Scores: Hunter 115 Cairns 103, Townsville 97 Cairns 88, Perth 92 Wollongong 89, New Zealand Breakers 106 Hunter Pirates 94, West Sydney 114 Adelaide 98, Melbourne 119 Perth 100, Adelaide 104 Hunter Pirates 93, Brisbane Bullets 111 Wollongong Hawks 93, Cairns Taipans 100 New Zealand Breakers 86.