DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Blitz Game 1 v Illawarra Hawks

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United are set to open their 2022 Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz campaign on Sunday evening when they face the Illawarra Hawks in Darwin.

Having arrived up north on Friday, Melbourne will look to flex their muscle against the Hawks, as both teams bring in exciting new lineups to the clash.

Each side will be looking for their first wins of the preseason, with neither team having picked up a win across their past three games  leading up to the Blitz.

PLAYER TO WATCH

One player intimately familiar with getting buckets in Darwin is United wing Makuach Maluach, who is coming off a stellar season playing with the Salties in the NBL1 North.

Maluach averaged nearly 25 points per game with Darwin, and went off for a season-high 36 points and 13 rebounds the last time he played at Darwin Basketball Stadium.

While ‘Kuach’ is yet to put up any huge scoring performances thus far throughout United’s preseason, he has continually impressed with his defence and energy on the court.

Look for the athletic wing to be embraced by his top-end fans and help deliver Melbourne a victory.

KEY MATCHUP

Facing his former side, pundits around the league will be watching how Xavier Rathan-Mayes matches up with the Hawks’ new import guard, Justin Robinson.

XRM has shown his ability to facilitate for others so far this preseason, working well off the dribble to create opportunities for those around him.

A pair of dangerous scorers, the game could very well come down to which playmaker can best get their teammates involved in the game while limiting their opposing man.

THE OTHER GUYS

Sporting a very different looking lineup to last season, how the Hawks manage to translate their new talent into wins on the court will be interesting to watch all season.

Tyler Harvey remains a lightning scorer, with the ability to put up points in bunches, while Sam Froling will look to take another step towards stardom.

A crucial addition to Illawarra’s side is Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, who will aim to bring the same energy to the Hawks as he did for the cross-town rival Sydney Kings.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip off: 8pm (AEST), Sunday 18 September, 2022

Where: Darwin Basketball Stadium, Darwin

Tickets: Available here

Watch: Kayo Freebies