DrinkWise Preview: NBL23 - Round 6, Game 2 v SEM Phoenix

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to bounce back from a tough road loss on Sunday afternoon when they host the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Throwdown XVII, delivered by DoorDash.

A win would go a long way for Melbourne, squaring the club at 5-5 as they head into the FIBA window.

Expecting a hard-fought game, the Phoenix will look to keep their run of hot form intact, having strung together four consecutive wins heading into Sunday.

Already a sell-out, United are expecting a raucous crowd inside John Cain Arena for a game that carries some extra meaning to the club in the form of The Multicultural Game.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Going up against the huge front line of SEM, Isaac Humphries will need to put together a stellar performance for the home side.

The big-man has played well over Melbourne’s last three games, averaging around 16 points and seven rebounds while shooting the ball at over 65% from the field.

Facing a Phoenix side which wants to attack the hoop, Humphries’ rim protection (league leading 1.8 blocks per game) will also be crucial.

KEY MATCHUP

As always, the major deciding factor for SEM’s success comes on the back of Mitch Creek’s play, with the forward averaging over 20 points per game in their victories.

Needing a strong defensive effort to slow him down, Melbourne young gun David Okwera will have his work cut out for him.

The 20-year-old forward has impressed since entering United’s starting lineup, averaging seven points, four rebounds and three combined blocks and steals per game.

If Okwera can limit Creek while staying active on the offensive glass and knocking down his looks from beyond the arc, Melbourne will be poised to take home an important victory.

THE OTHER GUYS

Since getting their full team healthy, the Phoenix have been a force offensively.

Alan Williams and Zhou Qi make up one of the league’s most imposing center rotations, while the import guard pairing of Gary Browne and Trey Kell III have shown an impressive ability to create for themselves and their teammates.

This, combined with the ever-reliable shooting of Ryan Broekhoff and Kyle Adnam have made SEM hard to contain over their last four games.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Tip off: 4pm (AEDT), Sunday 6 November, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: 10 Play, 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies

Listen: Cluch Radio