DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 3 v Perth Wildcats

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United are on the road for the first time this season when they travel to Perth to take on the Wildcats on Friday night.

United will look to bounce back and get back on the winner’s list, following a disappointing loss to the Kings at home last round. After the first two rounds of the season, the Wildcats are sitting pretty, atop of the NBL ladder with 3 wins from 3 games. Perth’s most recent win against the Taipans saw them hit 18 three-pointers for the game, the most threes scored in an away game in their club’s history, so Melbourne United’s defence will have to be at their best.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Isaac Humphries has continued to improve as he gets more time into his legs upon his return from injury. Dean Vickerman spoke of Humphries’ upward trajectory during the media conference following last week’s game against the Kings.

“We’ve got consistent good minutes into (Isaac) for a number of games now.” Vickerman said. “Now we’re going to start to expect more. We’re going to start to expect him to start getting some double doubles. One area Isaac was a lot better tonight (against the Kings) was his rim protection. He protected the rim a lot better, and his on ball coverage was significantly better.” Keep an eye on the big-man as he looks to respond to the challenge by his head coach.

KEY MATCHUP

Everyone knows that when you play the Perth Wildcats, if you manage to shut down Bryce Cotton, it goes a long way to helping your team achieve victory. Although the Sydney Kings got away from United last week, their star point guard Derrick Walton Jr was held to just 5 points. Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Rayjon Tucker led the charge against Walton Jr, and in Shea Ili’s absence, are likely to be tasked with the job on Cotton.

THE OTHER GUYS

It’s safe to say that the league-leading Wildcats are stacked. Bryce Cotton leads the charge averaging 20 points and 4.3 assists a game, but is backed up by a fleet of shooters who can put the ball in the hoop. Veterans Todd Blanchfield and Jesse Wagstaff have been on fire from deep so far this season, and let’s not forget Luke Travers, Brady Manek, Mitch Norton and Corey Webster. Combine this on-court prowess with the Red Army’s influence, and United will certainly have their hands full. Tune in at 9:30pm on Friday night to see if Melbourne United can get it done on the road. 

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip off: 9:30pm (AEDT), Friday 14 October, 2022

Where: RAC Arena, Perth

Watch: ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel