DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 15, Game 1 v New Zealand Breakers

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to extend their winning streak to three games on Thursday evening when the team heads across the ditch to face the New Zealand Breakers.

United have been impressive of late, winning six of their past eight games to propel them back into top-six contention.

They will hope to keep this run going against the Breakers, who they have beaten in their past eight meetings.

NZ will be hoping to bounce back on Thursday following their close loss to the Perth Wildcats on the road.

PLAYER TO WATCH

With Isaac Humphries set to miss time with a knee injury, Marcus Lee’s play will be even more crucial for MU.

Lee has been incredible across United’s past eight games, ranking as the league’s best in a number of key advanced stats.

Coming off his best game of the year, a 22 point, 10 rebound, four block showcase on Saturday against the JackJumpers, look for Lee to have another strong outing.

KEY MATCHUP

When you get one of the league’s best scoring guards versus the league’s best on-ball defender, there are sure to be fireworks.

That’s what we’re likely to see a lot of on Thursday when Shea Ili looks to lock down the Breakers’ Barry Brown Jr.

Having just played his 200th NBL game, Ili has led from the front while on the court this season, helping United to an 8-3 record when in the lineup.

He will have his hands full on Thursday evening, as Brown Jr has been cooking of late, helping NZ to two wins in their first three games to start 2023.

THE OTHER GUYS

Perhaps the most dangerous part of the Breakers’ team is their interior presence, with import pairing Jarrell Brantley and Derek Pardon forming a formidable frontline.

The duo combined for 41 points and 19 rebounds against the Wildcats, drawing attention inside to make room from NZ’s shooters.

Tom Abercrombie remains a threat as always, William McDowell-White and Izayah Le’afa provide solid creation from the guard spots.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers

Tip off: 5:30pm (AEDT), Thursday 12 January, 2023

Where: Christchurch Arena, New Zealand

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel