DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 4, Game 2 v Sydney Kings

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to bounce back following their close loss on Thursday night when they host the Sydney Kings for the Grassroots Game at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Having dropped their last three games at home, United are aiming to reward their amazing fans in what is expected to be a sell-out.

For the Kings, a win is the only thing that could potentially propel them back to top-spot in the NBL23 ladder after their loss on Friday to Adelaide, while Melbourne need a victory to bring the side back to .500.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Coming off his best performance of the season so far, electric import Rayjon Tucker will look to keep up his momentum as United welcome their long-time rivals back onto their home court.

Tucker tallied a 19-point, 10 rebound double-double against the Taipans, while finishing the game as a team-best +14.

While his three-ball has been up and down, Thursday night was a showcase of what the American high-flyer can do when headed into the lane with speed.

Look for Tucker to attack the Kings off the dribble and challenge Sydney’s bigs at the rim.

KEY MATCHUP

After his dominant performance in their last meeting, United will look to do all they can to slow down Xavier Cooks.

The athletic big man was impressive when the two sides met in Round 2, but has however struggled in his games since, averaging under 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Melbourne will look towards Isaac Humphries, Jordan Caroline and David Barlow to keep Cooks out of the paint and force him to beat them with his jumpshot.

THE OTHER GUYS

With contributors all over the court, United will have to work hard to stifle the league’s highest scoring team.

Derrick Walton Jr, Dejan Vasiljevic and Justin Simon are all averaging over 14 points per night, while Tim Soares has established himself as a presence inside the paint.

Forcing the Kings’ bench to step up could be the way to go for Melbourne, with Kuot Noi and Jordan Hunter the only players giving Sydney more than five points per game.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Sydney Kings

Tip off: 4pm (AEDT), Sunday 23 October, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Tickets: Available here

Watch: 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies

Listen: Broadcast available via Cluch Radio