DrinkWise Preview: NBL24 Round 1 Game 1 vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Basketball is back at John Cain Arena!

After over seven months, Melbourne United is set to return to the court in one of the largest season openers in NBL history.

Facing off against the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Throwdown XXI, MU will look to etch another victory into the history of what is the most intense rivalry in the NBL.

Led as always by captain Chris Goulding, Melbourne United will be hoping to get off to the perfect start in front of over 10,000 roucous fans inside of John Cain Arena.

PLAYER TO WATCH

After missing the entirety of NBL23 with an achilles injury, Ariel Hukporti is back and ready to showcase his ability as one of the competition’s premier big-men.

Coming off a dominant 19 point, 8 rebound, 4 block performance to close the NBL Blitz against Sydney, look for Hukporti to use his elite motor and athleticism to impact the game at both ends of the floor.

Following the game, ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony said “The sky’s the limit for Ariel Hukporti with the way that he plays pick and roll, the way that he’s guarding, moving his feet, blocking shots, playing with energy, NBA teams are looking for big men like that.”

KEY MATCHUP

We’re set for an all-Aussie star matchup at the forward position on Thursday, as Luke Travers faces off against Mitch Creek.

Travers has been a standout for what is a new-look Melbourne United lineup, changing games with his versatility and playmaking.

His ability to impact the game and create opportunities for his teammates is something Creek will have to deal with all night as he works his way back from an injury interrupted NBL Blitz.

The MVP finalist from last season played just 13 minutes across the preseason tournament and will be hoping to find his feet quickly against a fierce United defence.

THE OTHER GUYS

Missing import pair Alan Williams and Gary Bowne, the Phoenix will need their stars to stand up in a big way against Melbourne.

Tyler Cook displayed his strength and athleticism at the NBL Blitz, taking home the MVP award for the tournament, while Will Cummings showed off his ability to create for himself and his teammates.

An X-factor in the game could come from SEM’s supporting cast, with Ruben Te Rangi, Rhys Vague and Ben Aye all able to stretch the floor with their shooting.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs SEM Phoenix

Tip off: 7:30pm (AEDT), Sunday 28 September, 2023

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Foxtel and Kayo

Listen: Cluch Radio