DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 5, Game 2 v Perth Wildcats

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will be looking to scare the Wildcats all the way back to Perth when the two teams face off on the spookiest of Halloween showdowns at John Cain Arena.

Coming off a thrilling double OT victory against the Illawarra Hawks, United are hoping to continue their winning ways in front of their home fans, who will hopefully enjoy a big win, as well as exciting Halloween activities and competitions around the arena!

For the Wildcats, they will be looking for a measure of revenge after Melbourne handed them their first loss of the season two weeks ago at RAC arena, kicking off a three-game losing streak.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Following a huge 20-point, 12-rebound, two block double-double on Saturday evening, Isaac Humphries’ confidence should be sky high as he prepared to face the Wildcats.

In Melbourne’s last meeting with Perth, ‘Ice’ was the difference maker, as the big-man came up with countless big plays on both ends to help United pick up the road win.

Monday night could also shape up as a historic night for Humphries, as the defensive anchor sits just one block away from becoming the only player in the 40-minute era to ever reach 100 rejections before their 25th birthday.

KEY MATCHUP

As it always is against the Wildcats, the game will hinge on Bryce Cotton’s performance.

The dynamic guard went off when the two sides first met, dropping a season-high 32 points, however one player who has showcased his ability to slow the three-time MVP is the returning Shea Ili.

Set to play his first game of the season on Monday after recovering from concussion, Ili is champing at the bit to get on the court following an NBL22 season which saw his crowned as the league’s Best Sixth Man, as well as an MVP and Defensive Player of the Year season in the NBL1.

THE OTHER GUYS

Needing to break a three-game skid of their own, the Wildcats’ supporting cast will need to fire around Cotton if they hope to get the job done on the road.

Luke Travers has so far put together an impressive season, averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals, while the veteran trio of Jesse Wagstaff, Corey Webster and Todd Blanchfield will look to stretch the floor around their star point-guard.

The game could swing on the performances of Perth’s pair of other imports, Brady Manek and TaShawn Thomas, who are combining to average 17 points and seven rebounds per game.

WANT TO HEAR HOW OUR GUYS BREAK DOWN THE GAME? CLICK HERE

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip off: 7.30pm (AEDT), Monday 31 October, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Tickets: Available here

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

Listen: Broadcast available via Cluch Radio