Drinkwise Preview: NBL24 - Round 16 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Melbourne United will look to pick up their 17th win of the season as they continue their string of road games against the JackJumpers in Tasmania on Friday night.

Fresh off a hard fought result against the Breakers, United will be hoping to build on their gap on top of the NBL24 ladder with what would be their third win in their past four outings.

Melbourne have showcased their ability to win on the Apple Aisle, holding a 4-2 record over the JJs at MyState Bank Arena, including an eight-point victory in Round 5.

For Tasmania, six losses in their last eight games has the side sitting in third on the competition table at 11-11, with a defeat potentially dropping the men in green out of the top-six.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Across United’s three games in 2024, Chris Goulding has continued the stellar play that has seen his name injected into MVP conversations.

Melbourne’s captain has played his usual brand of smart basketball, hunting open three-point shots, while showcasing his ability to put the ball on the floor and get to his spot inside the arc.

Averaging 17.7 points and 1.7 steals across his last three appearances, look for Goulding to test Tasmania’s defence on Friday night.

KEY MATCHUP

A critical part of winning any game against the Tasmania JackJumpers is slowing down All-NBL guard Milton Doyle, a task Matthew Dellavedova will take on proudly some Friday night.

Using his trademark brand of relentless defensive pressure, Dellavedova will be hoping to push Doyle out of his usual methodical rhythm.

At the other end, look for the JJs’ star to try and get the ball out of Dellavedova’s hands and limit his ability to playmake for his teammates.

THE OTHER GUYS

The engine that makes Tasmania’s offence go is star import Jordon Crawford, who possesses the elite speed and quickness to catch any defender off guard.

Crawford frequently uses this to open up opportunities for the athletic big-man pairing of Marcus Lee and Will Magnay.

On the perimeter, Jack McVeigh poses a constant threat with his long-range shooting, while Anthony Drmic has proven to be a perfect glue-guy for this tough Tasmanian group. 

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Friday January 19, 2024

Where: MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel