The NBL merry-go-round continued in earnest in round 15, with Melbourne sneaking into a new-look top four, Perth slipping to a new low and Hunter renewing its late playoff push.

The fortunes of the two-time defending champion Sydney Kings this week were a prime example of the ever-changing ladder in season 2004-05.

Sydney (1st; 15-7) lost top spot following a 123-116 defeat to Townsville on Friday, only to regain it without breaking sweat when the Hawks (2nd; 15-8) lost to Brisbane the following night.

The Kings then strengthened their grip on first with a 105-76 thrashing of Cairns.

Top four rivals Wollongong and Brisbane (5th; 12-11) split two games in round 15.

The Hawks enjoyed a 100-83 home win on Friday, before the Bullets bounced back 123-105 in Queensland 24 hours later.

Brisbane also lost 101-98 to Adelaide on Wednesday night, allowing the Tigers (4th; 11-10) to sneak into the top four for the first time this season.

Melbourne beat Hunter 102-83 at home before moving ahead of Perth (6th; 12-12) with a 102-86 triumph in Western Australia, the Cats' fourth straight loss.

A former competition leader, Perth had been in the top four all season but now finds itself in danger of slipping further down the ladder.

Point guard Ricky Grace (knee) is expected to be sidelined for at least another fortnight, while Townsville, Hunter and West Sydney are all within striking distance.

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