DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 18 v Adelaide 36ers

Written by Melbourne United Media

It all comes down to this.

Melbourne United’s postseason pursuit will culminate on Sunday afternoon when they return home to John Cain Arena for their first game in over a month to face the Adelaide 36ers.

MU have split their season series against Adelaide so far, with each team taking home a victory on the road.

The only way United can guarantee a trip to the playoffs would be with a 42+ point victory, otherwise, Melbourne’s will have to wait until the result of the Perth v Sydney game taking place at 4pm.

PLAYER TO WATCH

In the biggest moments, Melbourne look to their franchise player to propel them to success.

Chris Goulding has had one of the best seasons of his career, as the sharpshooter leads all players across NBL23 in three-pointers made, while providing excellent leadership and defence.

Fans will be hoping for a classic performance from CG43, as six threes would see the marksman pass Mat Campbell and enter the top-10 for all-time three-pointers made in the NBL.

Watch for Goulding to lead from the front as he looks to guide Melbourne to a sixth consecutive postseason appearance.

KEY MATCHUP

While Antonius Cleveland has put together a number of strong performances of late, Melbourne will need to slow down his running mate Robert Franks come Sunday.

Franks has thrived in his two games against MU this season, registering a pair of 20-point plus performances.

United will look towards its forwards to limit Franks, using the strength of Mason Peatling, the quickness of Brad Newley and the length of David Okwera to make his life difficult.

THE OTHER GUYS

Getting out to Adelaide’s shooters will be a key for Melbourne, with the likes of Ian Clark, Anthony Drmic and Sunday Dech all able to get hot.

That shooting ability extends to the frontcourt for the Sixers, with Daniel Johnson and Kyrin Galloway combining for a quartet of triples on Friday night against the Kings.

Mitch McCarron always remains an X-factor for Adelaide, with his quickness and passing ability able to break any game open.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers

Tip off: 2pm (AEDT), Sunday 5 February, 2023

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: 10 Peach, Kayo Freebies and ESPN via Foxtel

Listen: Clutch Radio