DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 1 vs New Zealand Breakers

Written by Melbourne United Media

NBL23 is finally here!

After an offseason full of change, Melbourne United is ready to once again take to the court in front of the league’s best fans at John Cain Arena when they face the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday afternoon.

A bit over a week removed from a dominant end to their preseason which saw United outscore Brisbane and Perth 170-130, Melbourne will come into their opening game full of confidence.

Despite not picking up a win at the Blitz in Darwin, New Zealand will be looking to play spoilers during United’s opening game showcase, as they bring their new-look lineup across the ditch to John Cain Arena.

 PLAYER TO WATCH

It’s hard to have a better resume at John Cain Arena than United’s new import guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes.

The Canadian has been nothing short of electric playing at JCA, having never lost in his three games in Melbourne while averaging over 17 points per game.

XRM will be hoping to keep this streak alive, and looks poised to do so following a strong finish the the NBL Blitz which saw him average 16.5 points per game across Melbourne’s two big victories.

Look for Rathan-Mayes to remain aggressive from the opening tip as he hunts mismatches to produce easy buckets for himself and his teammates.

KEY MATCHUP

It will be a battle of youth versus experience on the wing come Sunday, as United Captain Chris Goulding goes up against NBA Draft hopeful Rayan Rupert.

Entering the contest fresh off a pair of strong games in the NBL Blitz, CG43 will once again look to lead his group to another successful season on the back of his stellar shooting.

He will likely have to deal with the long arms of Rupert throughout the contest, who has been touted as one of the best defensive prospects heading into the 2023 NBA Draft.

The Frenchman also showcased an ability to put the ball through the hoop in Darwin, and will hope to keep Goulding on his toes when he makes his NBL debut.

THE OTHER GUYS

Featuring a cast of new additions, the Breakers will be hoping to get off to the perfect start when they make the trip to Melbourme.

Interior imports Derek Pardon and Jarrell Brantley will look to make their presence felt around the hoop, while former SEM Phoenix guards Izayah Le’Afa and Cameron Gliddon fire away from downtown.

Perhaps the biggest X-factor for New Zealand will come from Will McDowell-White, who is looking to build upon an exciting offseason which saw him help guide the Boomers to a Gold Medal at the FIBA Asia Cup.

WANT TO HEAR HOW OUR GUYS BREAK DOWN THE GAME? CLICK HERE

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers
Tip off: 2pm (AEDT), Sunday 2 October, 2022
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: Available here
Watch: 10 Peach and ESPN Via Kayo
Listen: Broadcast available via Clutch Radio