DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 10, Game 2 v Perth Wildcats

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to keep up its momentum on Monday night when the side travels to Perth for a battle with the Wildcats.

United have been dominant in Perth over the past three years, stringing together seven straight victories and having not lost at RAC Arena since Round 1 of NBL20 (October 2019).

Another victory for Melbourne, especially over the sixth-placed Wildcats, would provide a significant boost as last year’s minor premiers fight to return to playoff contention.

For Perth, continuing their recent form will be a top priority, having won their past two games, each by eight points.

PLAYER TO WATCH

If there’s one player that knows a thing or two about getting buckets in Perth, it's Chris Goulding.

Over the past three seasons, only four players have knocked down more three-pointers at RAC Arena than CG43, and all of them are Wildcats players.

Coming off another spectacular game (20 points, six three-pointers, +27), look for Goulding to continue his sharpshooting form as the team travels west.

KEY MATCHUP

While United can expect the Wildcats to run their offence through Bryce Cotton, slowing down a red-hot Corey Webster may be the prime objective for Melbourne on Monday night.

Webster has been on fire across his past two games (24ppg on 59% shooting), and it will fall upon Rayjon Tucker to slow the kiwi scorer down.

Tucker has well and truly found his form with Melbourne (21ppg over his last six games), showcasing his strength in the open floor and ability to limit opposing bucket-getters.

If Tucker can put a stop to Webster’s positive play, United will be well positioned to sweep the season series over Perth.

THE OTHER GUYS

As always, the Wildcats’ entire game plan hinges on the play of perennial MVP contender Bryce Cotton.

The American guard leads the league in scoring (22.9ppg) and is coming off one of his best performances of the season 32 points and six assists).

Surrounding Cotton are a collection of potentially potent scorers such as the sweet-shooting Brady Manek, imposing big TaShawn Thomas and versatile wing Luke Travers.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip off: 9.30 (AEDT), Monday 12 December, 2022

Where: RAC Arena, Perth

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel