DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 10 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Melbourne United’s much anticipated return to John Cain Arena is finally here, as the defending champs take on the Tasmania JackJumpers on Sunday afternoon.

This will be United’s first home game since December 19. Since that home win over the NZ Breakers, Melbourne strung together a 6-1 record on the road, including a win in Tassie over the JJs.

Coming off a loss to Adelaide however, United will be looking to feed off the energy of their home fans and return to the winners circle.

For Tasmania, this will be their first ever game at John Cain Arena, and they’ll be hoping to continue their recent run of good form, having won their last three games.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr has been a revelation for Melbourne this year, establishing himself as the side’s offensive engine, and defensive anchor.

Across United’s road-trip, JLA averaged over 16 points per game, while adding close to 10 rebounds and three blocked shots a night.

Touted by some (correctly) as the best center in the league, Lual-Acuil Jr will aim to continue living up to that moniker in front of his home fans.

Going up against a premier interior defender like Will Magnay, look for Big Jo to establish his offence early, and set the tone for the game on both ends.

KEY MATCHUP

Two of the best playmakers in the NBL will go against each other in Round 10, as Matthew Dellavedova and Josh Magette face off.

Ranked second and third in the league in assists, both point guards bring NBA experience to their sides, and are more than capable of creating open looks for their teammates.

Averaging the better part of 15 points per game, Magette plays a massive role for the JJs in terms of making sure their offence is humming.

If Delly can slow down the import guard like he did in the two side’s first meeting (4-21 shooting with only two assists), United will be positioned well to come away with the victory.

THE OTHER GUYS

As showcased in Tasmania’s Friday night win over Sydney, the JJs can get a scoring punch from all areas of their roster.

Alongside Magette, starters Jack McVeigh (17), Josh Adams (16), and Will Magnay (12) all scored in double figures, while working hard to lock down the Kings, allowing only 46 points after the first 10 minutes.

Full of experience, their bench, led by Captain Clint Steindl, can hurt teams with it’s shooting.

Fabijan Krslovic, Mikyle Mcintosh and former Melbourne forward Sam McDaniel can all impact the game with their activity and shooting, making for a difficult matchup no matter who the JJs put on the court.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Tip off: 3pm (AEDT), Sunday 6 February, 2022
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Watch: Australia - 10Peach, Kayo Freebies, ESPN. International - NBL YouTube