DrinkWise Preview: NBL22 - Round 8, Game 1 v Adelaide 36ers

Melbourne United will look to solidify their spot on top of the NBL22 ladder on Saturday evening when they take on an Adelaide 36ers side aiming to ride some solid momentum.

Enjoying a six-game win-streak, confidence is high amongst the United playing group.

The defending champs currently possess a league-best point differential (10.6), as well as ranking top-10 all time in per game rebounding and blocked shot differentials (8.4 and 2.8 respectively). 

To overcome Melbourne’s dominant start to the season, Adelaide will need to reproduce a similar performance as Tuesday night’s victory over Perth.

The Sixers shut down the Wildcats, holding last year’s grand-finalists to a season low 74 points.

PLAYER TO WATCH

While his minutes have dropped over the past few games, Saturday night will be one to remember for David Barlow.

United’s longest tenured player, Barlow will suit up for his 350th NBL game against Adelaide, and will look to provide his usual lights-out shooting, as well as his vocal leadership in order to get United their seventh consecutive win.

Speaking to the media earlier in the week, Caleb Agada praised Barlow for his influence on the team.

“Barlow is that guy,” he said.

“He’s such a big voice on the court… He has a lot of respect out here, and I’m happy for him.”

Watch for Barlow to make his mark with his ever-reliable shooting stroke and stout defence against the Sixers.

KEY MATCHUP

Fans are set for a highly competitive battle at the point guard position, as Championship winning guard Mitch McCarron goes up against the man that replaced him in United’s line-up, Matthew Dellavedova.

Both players are coming off incredibly strong performances, and will be looking to orchestrate their offence perfectly.

Elite facilitators (Delly ranked 2nd in assists, Mitch ranked 3rd), and formidable defenders, whoever gains the upper hand in the matchup could very well decide the winner of the contest.

This will be McCarron’s first meeting against Melbourne after playing 107 games for the club across the past three seasons.

He will have his hands full attempting to stop Delly, who ranks eighth in the league on player plus/minus (9.3)

THE OTHER GUYS

Winners of three of their last four games, the Sixers are looking to prove they can make a splash in the playoffs this season.

Daniel Johnson remains one of the league’s most dangerous scorers, averaging 17.2 points per game, the fourth highest mark of his career.

The threat of DJ’s jumper has worked well to open up opportunities for McCarron, as well as fiery import guard Dusty Hannahs (14.2 points) and the recently returned Sunday Dech, who scored 10 points in his season debut against the Wildcats.

Inside, the duo of Cam Bairstow and Issac Humpheries has been formidable all season.

The pair of towering centers have shown the ability to finish around the rim effectively, while remaining active as perimeter shooters.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers
Tip off: 5.30pm (AEDT), Saturday 22 January, 2022
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Watch: Australia - ESPN via Foxtel and Kayo