DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 4 vs Sydney Kings

Melbourne United are set to hit the court one final time in 2021 when they face the Sydney Kings on the road at Qudos Bank Arena on Boxing Day.

Full of belief after one of the best defensive rounds in NBL history, the defending champs will come into the contest riding a tidal wave of momentum.

A win against the Kings on the road would go a long way for United’s confidence, as it would end a seven-game losing streak in Sydney dating back to the start of 2020.

For the hosts, they will look to keep up their own winning streak, having won their past two games following their 42-point loss to United in Round 3.

PLAYER TO WATCH

The return of Melbourne United Captain Chris Goulding has been the catalyst for his side’s hot run of form.

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CG43’s remains one of the league’s most potent offensive weapons, as displayed last Sunday in his seven-three-pointer explosion.

His activity and movement keeps the defense locked in to what he’s doing, while opening up opportunities for his teammates.

The matchup also carries potential for history for Goulding, who sits six three-pointers away from being the first United player to ever knock down 600 long range shots for the club.

A six three-pointer game would also see CG move into 15th in total made triples across NBL history.

KEY MATCHUP

CG isn’t the only player close to setting United history, as Jo Lual-Acuil will look to become the first player to reach the 100-block mark since the club rebranded.

JLA needs four blocks to hit the milestone, which will be no easy task matched up against Sydney’s Jarell Martin.

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Martin is coming off his best game of the season, a 24 point, 11 rebound performance in the King’s comeback victory over Tasmania.

Both JLA and Martin are versatile bigs, with the ability to attack the rim, run the floor, and bomb away from long range.

Whichever of these two giants is able to gain the upper hand on Sunday will go a long way in determining the result of the game.  

THE OTHER GUYS

With import guard Jaylen Adams out and R.J Hunter a fitness test for Sunday, look for Sydney to continue leaning on it’s mix of youth and experience in the back court.

Shaun Bruce and Angus Glover both have the ability to get hot with their jumpshots and create for others, while bench-guard Biwali Bayles has showcased a great ability to bring energy to Sydney’s lineup whenever he steps on the court.

A major X-factor for the Kings will be Dejan Vasiljevic, who is still finding his rhythm after returning from injury.

After not scoring in his first game back, DJ tallied 14 points and four three-pointers in limited minutes across his next two outings.

If DJ can get in going, opportunities will materialise for Sydney’s supporting cast, like Xavier Cooks, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and Makur Maker. 

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Sydney Kings
Tip off: 3:00pm (ADST), Sunday 26 December
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Watch: 10Peach, 10Play, Kayo Freebies, Fox Sports 507