DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 15 v Perth Wildcats

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to extend their current winning streak to six games on Thursday night when they face the Perth Wildcats at John Cain Arena.

United have been on a tear of late, beating opponents by an average of 15.2 points across their current streak of victories.

That streak started with a 93-87 win over the Wildcats in Round 11, Melbourne’s sixth consecutive over Perth dating back to last season and including the NBL21 Grand Final sweep.

For the visitors, continuing their own hot-streak will be a priority, having won their previous pair of games by a combined 30 points.

PLAYER TO WATCH

With so much attention devoted to MVP candidate Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, the second half of the league’s best center rotation, Ariel Hukporti, can often be overlooked.

That has however not been the case of late, with the Next Star proving the NBA hype is real.

Over his last four games, Big A has averaged close to 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks in limited minutes off the bench.

A constant source of energy and excitement, look for Ariel to step up when his number is called and impact the game on both ends.

KEY MATCHUP

As tip-off approaches, all eyes are locked on the matchup between defensive player of the year front-runner Shea Ili and three-time league MVP Bryce Cotton.

After Cotton torched United for 13 first quarter points in the side’s first meeting of the year, Dean Vickerman made the decision to switch Ili on the import guard in what turned out to be a game-changing move.

When guarded by Ili, Cotton only managed three points, hitting on just one of his six attempts. When guarded by all other United players, he scored 28 points.

If the Kiwi guard can shut down Perth’s main man once again, it will heap the pressure on the Wildcats’ other scorers to step up.

Watch closely to see how Melbourne manages Cotton, and how Perth looks to get him open.

THE OTHER GUYS

Outside of Cotton, the Wildcats have showcased an ability to get other players going to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

On the wing, Vic Law remains in award discussion, averaging a touch under 20 points per game, while Todd Blachfield is coming off one of his best games of the season (22 points, 17 points in the first quarter).

Mitch Norton displayed his ability to put the ball in the hole the last time the two sides met, scoring 21 points, while Majok Majok will do his best to slow United’s dominant big-men.

The real X-factor for Perth is Michael Friazer, who hasn’t scored in two games, having only attempted a single shot in 30 minutes off the bench. 

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats
Tip off: 7.30pm (AEDT), Thursday 10 March, 2022
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube