DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 11 v Perth Wildcats

Written by Melbourne United Media

In perhaps the biggest game of NBL22 thus far, Melbourne United will host the Perth Wildcats in a Grand Final rematch to determine who will sit atop the league ladder.

This will be the first time the two sides have met since United swept the Wildcats 3-0 in last year’s Grand Final series, so expect a fiery, intense contest between two of the league’s best teams.

For Melbourne, a repeat of how they started the season would be ideal, as the last time the defending champs lost two games in a row (Rounds 1 and 2), they rattled off eight-straight wins.

United will be buoyed by the return of Jack White and Ariel Hukporti, who were absent from their last game against the Tasmania JackJumpers. Hukporti and White rank first and fourth respectively in individual defensive rating, and will look to make some key plays at the rim against Perth.

For the Wildcats, ensuring they can emulate their form against the South East Melbourne Phoenix will be a major focus. Perth destroyed SEM, running away with a 22-point victory at John Cain Arena.

PLAYER TO WATCH

As previously mentioned, United will be back to full strength at the weekend, and will be hoping Ariel Hukporti can continue his explosive season.

Big A has been the perfect complementary piece to star center Jo Lual-Acuil, who has staked his claim as the league’s best big man.

Using his elite athleticism and strong frame, Hukporti has looks borderline unstoppable when he gets going, forcing his way inside to draw fouls, emphatically sending shots away on the defensive end, and throwing down some of the biggest dunks of the season.

Missing Matt Hodgson due to suspension, look for Ariel, alongside JLA, to be aggressive inside, and force the Wildcats to adjust to Melbourne’s brand of bully-ball.

KEY MATCHUP

One of the most anticipated matchups all season, the first meeting of the season between Matthew Dellavedova and Bryce Cotton is sure to be a can’t miss affair.

Having made his mark as one of the best imports in league history, Cotton will be out to showcase what could have been had he played in the Grand Final series last season.

While the three-time league MVP has torched NBL guards for years, he has never come up against someone who can fold ball-handlers with sheer energy and will quite like Delly.

One of the best defensive guards in the league statistically, Delly has made a career for himself on that end of the floor, and will be eager to shut down the American scorer.

On the other end of the floor, should Cotton see significant time guarding Delly, expect the Olympian to use his size and strength to get into the paint for layups, while creating open looks for his teammates.

THE OTHER GUYS

With so much focus on stopping Bryce Cotton, United will have to be ready to put the clamps on the league’s third-leading scorer, Vic Law.

Only one of three players averaging over 20 points per game, Law has been getting it done from all over the court.

Perth’s third import, Michael Frazier, has also shown a strong ability to put the ball in the hoop, however it is the Wildcats bench that has been dominant so far in NBL22.

Led by Jesse Wagstaff, who will be suiting up for game 400 on Saturday, Perth is able to keep the pressure going when the starters sit down.

NBA Draft hopeful Luke Travers is coming off his best game of the season (24 points), while Todd Blanchfield remains able to break a game open with his outside shooting (55.2% from beyond the arch in NBL22).

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats
Tip off: 8pm (AEDT), Saturday 12 February, 2022
Where: John Cain Arena
Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube