DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 2 vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Melbourne’s premier basketball club is finally back home!

For the first time since March 2020, Melbourne United is back playing at John Cain Arena with crowd capacity set to 100%.

Playing host to cross-town rivals, the South East Melbourne Phoenix, in Throwdown XIII, delivered by DoorDash, United will be looking to put on a show in front of their roaring fans.

Aiming to notch it’s first win of the young season, look for Dean Vickerman’s side to play a fast-paced style, which will benefit their hard-nosed defense.

PLAYER TO WATCH

After turning heads in his first NBL outing, David ‘Dsav’ Okwera will look to continue his hot start to the season in his home debut.

Scoring 10 points in 14 minutes, David became the youngest Australian player to score 10 points on debut since Joe Ingles.

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Coming off the bench against Sydney and providing an immediate jolt of energy, Dsav’s athleticism and lively playing style will go a long way in helping United to victory on both ends.

Look for Okwera to make life difficult for the Mitch Creek and Reuben Te Rangi.

KEY MATCHUP

Speaking of Mitch Creek, United’s gameplan for slowing the powerful forward down will be pivotal in Throwdown XIII, delivered by DoorDash.

When the sides matched up in the NBL Blitz, it was Mason Peatling who went to work against Creek, frustrating the former NBA player and keeping him away from the rim effectively.

Having a big body on Creek will be crucial, as he is liable to go off for big scoring nights if left unchecked, such as on Friday against the New Zealand Breakers, where he tallied 36 points in a winning effort.

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On the other end, Horse will keep SEM’s star forward honest with his silky three-point stroke and activity on the offensive boards.

One of the best offensive rebounders in the league, Peatling could easily force Creek into foul trouble as the fiery forward does his best to keep Mason off the glass.

THE OTHER GUYS

Looking to step out of Melbourne United’s shadow, the Phoenix have put together a strong roster, full of avenues to attack the defending champs.

Starting guards Ryan Broekhoff and Xavier Munford provide lights-out shooting from the perimeter, while bench duo Kyle Adnam and Cam Gliddon bring NBL experience and toughness whenever they’re on court.

SEM’s biggest addition (literally) Zhou Qi also possessed the ability to change games on both ends.

Using his size to deter players at the rim and keep big men honest when helping on the drive, stopping the Chinese giant will be a top priority for United’s centers all night.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Tip off: 1:00pm (AEDT), Sunday 12 December
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Watch: 10Peach, Fayo Freebies, Fox Sports 507