1987 NBL season

The 1987 NBL season was the ninth season of competition since its establishment in 1979. A total of 14 teams contested the league. Three of the Melbourne-based clubs rebranded themselves in the off season, with the Nundawading Spectres renaming themselves to Eastside Spectres, Coburg Giants became North Melbourne Giants and the St. Kilda Saints became Westside Saints.

Clubs
The NBL had 14 clubs spread across all Australian states and territories with the exception of the Northern Territory.

Regular season
The 1987 regular season took place over 22 rounds between 24 April 1987 and 20 September 1987.

Round 1
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Round 2
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Round 3
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Round 4
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Round 5
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Round 6
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Round 7
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Round 8
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Round 9
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Round 10
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Round 11
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Round 12
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Round 13
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Round 14
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Round 15
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Round 16
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Round 17
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Round 18
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Round 19
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Round 20
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Round 21
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Round 22
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Ladder
The NBL tie-breaker system as outlined in the NBL Rules and Regulations states that in the case of an identical win–loss record, the results in games played between the teams will determine order of seeding.

''1Head-to-Head between Brisbane Bullets and Illawarra Hawks (1-1). Brisbane Bullets won For and Against (+11).''

''2Head-to-Head between Eastside Spectres and Geelong Cats (1-1). Eastside Spectres won For and Against (+7).''

Elimination Finals
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Semifinals
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Grand Final
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NBL awards

 * Most Valuable Player: Mark Davis, Adelaide 36ers & Leroy Loggins, Brisbane Bullets
 * Most Valuable Player Grand Final: Leroy Loggins, Brisbane Bullets
 * Rookie of the Year: Greg Hubbard, Illawarra Hawks
 * Coach of the Year: David Lindstrom, Illawarra Hawks