DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 10, Game 1 v Brisbane Bullets

Written by Melbourne United Media

The squad will look to get back in the winners column on Saturday evening when we host the Brisbane Bullets at John Cain Arena.

Needing to put together a strong run across the back half of the season to make finals, United aim to get off to a flying start in front of their home fans.

The Bullets are hoping to string together some momentum of their own if they want to keep their finals aspirations alive, having lost three of their past four games.

PLAYER TO WATCH

One player thriving for United despite their recent slide has been import guard Rayjon Tucker.

After a slow start to the season, the high-flying American has established himself as a major scoring threat, especially beyond the arc.

Known for his otherworldly bounce, Tucker has been stroking the ball from the three-point line across his past five games, connecting on over two makes per game at a nearly 47% clip.

Watch Tucker feed off the energy from the JCA crowd once again on Saturday as he looks to help guide United to an important victory. 

KEY MATCHUP

Having missed all but three of United’s games across NBL23, Shea Ili’s return comes just in time for the huge challenge Brisbane’s guards pose.

With the trio of Tyler Johnson, Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee accounting for close to 40 of the Bullets’ points each game, Melbourne will look to Ili to lock down his matchup defensively whenever he’s on the court.

On the other end, the kiwi dynamo hopes to bring his trademark energy to the court, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.

THE OTHER GUYS

Outside of Brisbane’s trio of scoring guards, Melbourne will have to remain wary of the Bullets’ talls, who can impact the game in a number of ways.

Aron Baynes will look to impose himself inside the paint, making up for the absence of Tanner Krebs and Tyrell Harrison, who will both miss the game with injuries.

A huge X-factor for Brisbane is the play of DJ Mitchell, whose play has fluctuated throughout the season.

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

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Brisbane Bullets

Tip off: 8pm (AEDT), Saturday 10 December, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

Listen: Clutch Radio