Drinkwise Preview: NBL24 - Playoffs Game 3 v Illawarra Hawks

It’s do or die time for Melbourne United as they head into Game 3 of their Playoff series against the Illawarra Hawks on Wednesday night.

After coming so close to snatching a sweep-sealing road victory on Sunday, Melbourne are determined to keep their season alive on Wednesday when the Hawks come into John Cain Arena.

United have been the league’s best bounce-back team all season, boasting an 8-0 record coming off losses across NBL24.

They will also be relying on the energy from the league’s best home fans, who have helped fuel them in their 12 home victories this season.

GET ALL YOUR FINALS INFO HERE: MELBOURNE UNITED’S FINALS HUB

PLAYER TO WATCH

While averages of 12.5 points and 4.5 assists per game this series may not jump off the page, Shea Ili has been one of Melbourne’s most important pieces across Game One and Two.

The league’s Defensive Player of the Year, Ili has played his usual hounding defence, but it’s been at the other end of the court that the Kiwi has been most important.

Ili’s ability to push the pace has played a massive role in whenever United have enjoyed success, opening up opportunities for his teammates and putting pressure on the rim.

Watch for Ili to leave his mark on Game 3.

KEY MATCHUP

Perhaps more than anything for Melbourne, stopping Gary Clark must be the number one priority, and in Luke Travers they believe they have the man to do that.

After putting the clamps on Clark in winning time on Thursday, the American got the better of Travers in Wollongong.

Despite this, LT showed flashes of brilliance, tallying four steals and two blocks in the tight contest.

Seeing who can finish the game holding the advantage will go a long way in deciding which team will be heading to a Grand Final series.

THE OTHER GUYS

For United to be successful, slowing down the Hawks’ starting lineup is a must.

Illawarra only got 14 of their 113 points from their bench on Sunday afternoon, while Tyler Harvey (23 points), Sam Froling (19 points) and Davo Hickey (18 points) worked their way into the paint for bucket after bucket.

Melbourne will need to look to limit the Hawks’ stars on Wednesday, forcing their supporting pieces to beat them inside of a hostile John Cain Arena.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Wednesday 13 March, 2024

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

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