DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 5 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Happy New Year United fans!

After a spectacular 2021 on the court, which included an NBL Championship, Melbourne will look to start 2022 with another great performance, this time against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

United have won three games in a row following its 0-2 start, and will look to add a fourth victory to that streak in their first ever meeting with the JackJumpers.

Over this three-game stretch, United have won by an average of 26.3 points per game, all while holding opponents to under 60 points per game, and under 30% shooting from the field.

If Tassie aims to break the streak, they’ll have to put together a four-quarter effort, something they have struggled with so far in NBL22.

In their last two games the JJ’s have been +22 in total in the first three quarters combined but -25 in the fourth quarters.

Should Melbourne take home the victory, it would mark the 150th win for Head Coach Dean Vickerman, who would be the fifth fastest NBL coach to reach the mark.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Playing his first game in his home state as a professional, all eyes will be on Chris Goulding as he nears multiple career milestones.

CG needs 31 points to reach 5000 in his career, 27 points for 3000 for Melbourne United, one more three-pointer for 600 in his career and two more three-pointers to make 879 in his career, passing Aaron Trahair as the 15^th most in NBL history.

Speaking to media, long-time teammate Dave Barlow said these achievements, while impressive, can’t truly capture how special of a player Goulding is.

“These milestones don’t actually do him justice.

“When I look at him as a shooter and a scorer compared with anyone who I’ve seen throughout my career, he’s got to be up there with the best.”

KEY MATCHUP

In his first game against United since last year’s Championship, JJ’s guard/forward Sam McDaniel will have his hands full as he looks to slow down on-fire import Caleb Agada.

Smac has been praised for his versatility and toughness this season, often taking on the most challenging defensive assignment.

Guarding Caleb will be no easy task, with the Olympian showcasing his ability to score the ball from all over the court in his last three games.

Agada shot 52% from the field (26/52), 52.6% from long range (10/19) and 100% on free-throws (3/3), while averaging 21.7 points per night in his last three games.

Look for McDaniel to play Caleb tight, limiting his ability to create space and get moving towards the rim.

THE OTHER GUYS

Led by their pair of import guards, Josh Adams and Josh Magette, the JackJumpers have shown an ability to get up and down the court quickly, while forcing steals and turnovers.

The outside shooting coming from the backcourt has been supported by Tasmania Captain Clint Steindl, who has shot the three ball at over 40% through six games this season.

Inside, Will Magnay, Jack McVeigh and MiKyle McIntosh will all look to use their size to match the defending champs on the interior, an area United have dominated so far this season.

GAME INFO

Who: Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United
Tip off: 5:30pm (ADST), Saturday 1 January, 2022
Where: MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy
Watch: ESPN, Kayo