DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 12, Throwdown XIV v South East Melbourne Phoenix

Written by Melbourne United Media

John Cain Arena is set to host one of the most anticipated Throwdown, delivered by DoorDash games of all time, as Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix do battle to determine who will sit on top of the NBL22 ladder.

The first time the two sides matched up this season was an explosive affair, with United falling just short of the victory, despite missing Chris Goulding and Jack White.

Melbourne are coming off one of their best games of the year, a come-back victory in their Grand Final rematch against the Perth Wildcats.

Riding some momentum of their own, SEM emphatically ended Tasmania’s winning streak in Round 11, and will be looking to go 2-0 up in the season series against United.

PLAYER TO WATCH

When it came to winning time in Melbourne’s last game, Matthew Dellavedova stepped up.

The Australian basketball icon lifted United when they needed it most, scoring 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter.

Delly's scoring ability has been on display over his last six outings, averaging over 14 points and nearly six assists per game.

Look for Delly to remain aggressive against the Phoenix, firing away from downtown when they play off him, and taking it to the rack when the opportunity is there.

On defence, the former NBA Champion will have his hands full slowing down SEM’s guards, but alongside Shea Ili, expect Delly to force rushed possessions and turnovers.

KEY MATCHUP

Getting his first taste of Throwdown action this season, Jack White will play a massive role in the outcome of the contest, as he looks to stifle Phoenix forward Mitch Creek.

White engulfed MVP candidate Vic Law in United’s last game, holding the import to just 12 points on 5-18 shooting, and stripping the ball away on Perth’s last chance to close the gap.

Going up against Creek, expect White to frustrate his man, forcing him away from the rim, where his shooting has cooled significantly.

Creek’s hot form has slowed somewhat in his last four games (two wins, two losses), averaging around 18 points on 40% shooting from the field and 18% from beyond the arc.

THE OTHER GUYS

Outside of Creek, SEM have amassed a strong supporting cast who are capable of filling up the stat sheet.

Xavier Munford, Ryan Broekhoff, Izayah Le’afa and Kyle Adnam can all do damage from the perimeter, averaging over five three pointers between them each game.

Inside, the combination of Zhou Qi and Brandon Ashley has been impactful, with each man able to protect the rim, and get up for easy finishes around the rim.

Boasting the league’s second best offensive rating (behind Perth), the Phoenix will be hoping they can do what the Wildcats couldn’t and use their scoring firepower to secure a win.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Tip off: 7.30pm (AEDT), Thursday 17 February, 2022Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube