DrinkWise Preview: NBL24 - Round 14 Game 2 vs Adelaide 36ers

Melbourne United will look to make it two wins from two games in Round 14 when they head on the road to face the Adelaide 36ers on Saturday night.

Fresh off a 16-point win over the Sydney Kings on Thursday, United head into the contest riding a wave of momentum while boasting the league’s best record at 15-4.

In their two previous matchups with the Sixers, Melbourne have dominated the glass, pulling down 23 more rebounds in the pair of victories.

For Adelaide, eight losses in their last 10 games have them languishing at the bottom of the competition table with 10 games remaining in their season. 

PLAYER TO WATCH

Set to play his 50th game in the NBL, Ariel Hukporti will aim to continue his blistering run of form when the team hits the court in the city of churches.

United’s Next Star has feasted against Adelaide so far this season, averaging five blocks per game across their two previous meetings.

Look for Hukporti to do what he does best; attack the hoop and defend the paint better than just about anyone in the league on Saturday night.

KEY MATCHUP

In a battle of two of the NBL’s best three-point marksmen, the matchup between Chris Goulding and Dejan Vasiljevic is one not to be missed by fans of pure shooting skill.

Goulding and Vasiljevic sit first and third respectively in three-pointers made per game this season, both showcasing their ability to break a game open in an instant.

Fans will be watching closely to see which of the pair finds their range first on Saturday.

THE OTHER GUYS

Searching for consistency, the 36ers have found success running their offence through former United star Isaac Humphries over the past few rounds.

The big-man is averaging 20.4 points and seven rebounds per game in his last five outings while shooting the ball at close to 60% from the field.

Surrounding the seven-footer is a collection of talent that Adelaide will need to be at their best to challenge United.

Trey Kell III is coming off a triple-double performance in his last game, while Jacob Wiley will bring his usual brand of high-octane play at the forward spot.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Saturday January 6, 2024

Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel