DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 14 v Brisbane Bullets

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to make it five wins in a row this weekend when they host the Brisbane Bullets at John Cain Arena on Saturday night.

Sitting on top of the NBL22 ladder, United are aiming to close the season with force, playing their first of seven remaining home games.

The contest will carry some extra importance for Melbourne as it will mark 250 games for Head Coach Dean Vickerman.

For Brisbane, a win in their last outing over the Tasmania JackJumpers broke a three-game skid, and has the side full of confidence heading into the contest.

Looking to avenge a two-point loss to United on Australia Day in which the Bullets shot just 3 of 25 from beyond the arc, expect the visitors to push the defending champions to the limit.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Returning from a one-game absence, MVP candidate Jo Lual-Acuil Jr will look to continue his dominant run through the season on Saturday.

Averaging over 17 points, nine rebounds and two and a half blocks per game, JLA has been a terror for defences to deal with all season.

Sporting a versatile offensive game, Big Jo will look to keep the Bullets guessing when he has the ball, as he’s showcased an ability to bomb away from down-town, or put the ball on the floor to get to the rim.

On the defensive end, JLA has been the best rim-protector in the league. Look for him to force the likes of Nathan Sobey and Lamar Patterson to second guess attempts around the basket.

KEY MATCHUP

Jack White has been one of the league’s best defenders all season. He will once again be tested on Saturday evening when he faces top-10 scorer Robert Franks.

In their last meeting, White held the import in check, limiting Franks to just 10 points and four turnovers, while helping himself to 14 points.

Since that game, Franks has scored over 10 points in five of his seven outings, including a trio of 20+ point games.

His success hasn’t however always produced good results for the Bullets, with Brisbane going 2-3 in games he has scored 20+ in.

Poor results are something Jack White remains completely unfamiliar with. United has gone 11-1 this season with White in the lineup, having outscored opponents by 77 points with him on the court.

THE OTHER GUYS

As showcased in their most recent win over the JackJumpers, Brisbane have a multitude of ways to attack on offence.

Alongside Franks, Lamar Patterson and Nathan Sobey can be dangerous scorers, and are unafraid of stepping up in big moments.

Supporting that trio on the perimeter are Jason Cadee and Deng Deng, who will fire away from beyond the arc if left open.

Inside, the duo of Jack Salt and Tyrell Harrison have shown the ability to protect the rim and play stout defence.

What the Bullets can get out of import Isaiah Moss will be a big X-factor, with the import having only scored over 10 points once this season.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Brisbane Bullets
Tip off: 8pm (AEDT), Saturday 5 March, 2022
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: https://bit.ly/33DF5Oc
Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube