DrinkWise Preview: NBL24 - Round 12 vs Perth Wildcats

In what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the season, Melbourne United will look to extend their winning streak to four games when they face the Perth Wildcats under the stars at John Cain Arena as part of the Open Air Game.

Having each taken home a win on each other’s home court, the contest looks likely to deliver fireworks as Melbourne play their final home game until February.

For Perth, a win could vault the side up into a top-two spot on the competition ladder, while a Melbourne victory would further extend United’s gap on top of the table.

PLAYER TO WATCH

After lighting up the league for weeks, Chris Goulding deferred more to his teammates in Round 11, averaging just 15 points across Melbourne’s pair of wins.

The star wing still managed to knock down eight three pointers - more than anyone else in the league - as United won by an average of 19.5 points.

Heading into the matchup with Perth, look for Goulding to play a smart game, striking from deep when needed and drawing attention away from United’s collection of other stars.

KEY MATCHUP

With so much firepower all over the court, you could single out just about any matchup on Saturday as a key battle ground, however perhaps the most exciting clash comes in the paint between Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Keanu Pinder.

In Round 6, JLA was dominant inside, scoring 25 points, pulling down 10 rebounds and drawing nine fouls.

Many of these were on Pinder, who fouled out of the game with just 11 points. Perth’s star big-man also fouled out when the team’s met in Round 3.

If Pinder can stay on the court, it will go a long way in helping the visitors as they attempt to pull off the upset.

THE OTHER GUYS

Since their Round 6 meeting, Bryce Cotton has turned into the league’s most prolific scorer. 

The import guard is averaging 27.2 points per game across his last six outings, with Goulding’s 22.7 points per game the next closest mark over the same stretch.

With Bryce shouldering the load, the Wildcats’ collection of other stars have taken a step back, with Pinder (12.2 points) and Kristian Doolittle (10.7) the only other players averaging double figures from Round 7 onwards.

If Melbourne can slow down Cotton, a major X-factor will be how Perth’s role players such as Alex Sarr, Jordan Usher and Tai Webster can contribute.

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

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip-off: 8pm AEDT, Saturday 22 December, 2023

Where: John Cain Arena Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Kayo

Tickets: SOLD OUT