DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 12 v New Zealand Breakers

Written by Melbourne United Media

Fresh off their resilient win in Throwdown XIV delivered by DoorDash, Melbourne United are looking to put together another strong performance, this time against the New Zealand Breakers.

This will be the third time the two sides have faced off, with United having won the previous pair of meetings.

Currently sitting on top of the ladder, another win would complete a clean sweep of the season series for Melbourne.

For the Breakers, their push to climb off the bottom of the competition ladder is gaining momentum, having registered three wins in their last five games.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Facing his former side, Sunday will be another opportunity for Shea Ili to prove why he is considered as the league’s best defender, and one of the league’s best bench players.

Ili has made a considerable impact in his last two games for United, first shutting down former MVP Bryce Cotton in Round 11 before providing a huge spark off the bench in Round 12 against the Phoenix.

Whether it’s been with his ability to knife through the lane to create opportunities, or his phenomenal ball-denial and on-ball defensive skills, the kiwi guard has been a game-changer for United this season.

Expect Shea to spend time matched up with the likes of Payton Siva and Hugo Besson on Sunday afternoon.

KEY MATCHUP

All eyes will be on the matchup in the middle at John Cain Arena, as Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Yannick Wetzell face off inside the paint.

In their previous two meetings, JLA has had the clear advantage, averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds against the Breakers.

Over the past four games, Big Jo and Wetzell have put up some of the best numbers league-wide, and will look to continue that form on Sunday.

Averaging 25.3 points (#1 in the league), 13.8 rebounds (#1 in the league), 2.5 blocks (equal #1 in the league), while shooting 68% from the field and 45% from deep over his last four outings, look for JLA to continue his MVP run against the Breakers big-man.

THE OTHER GUYS

Boasting a deep squad capable of pulling off an upset win over the ladder-leaders, United cannot take New Zealand lightly.

Import guard Payton Siva is coming off his best scoring performance of the season, a 22-point effort in a win over the Cairns Taipans, while fellow guard Hugo Besson remains able to break any game open with his long-range shooting.

Former NBA guard Chasson Randle is still trying to find his feet with his new side, but provides much needed experience and poise from the lead-guard spot.

William McDowell-White and Finn Delany will need to step up against the defending champs, as their mix of size and athleticism will go a long way in deciding the result of the contest.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers
Tip off: 3pm (AEDT), Sunday 20 February, 2022
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Watch: Australia - ESPN, Kayo Freebies, 10 Peach. International - NBL YouTube