DrinkWise Preview: NBL24 Round 3 Game 1 vs Perth Wildcats

Melbourne United will look to bounce back from their Round 2 loss when they head west for a road matchup with the Perth Wildcats.

RAC Arena has been a fruitful venue for United over the past few seasons, with Melbourne winning seven of their last eight games in ‘the jungle’.

A victory could see Melbourne maintain their spot on top of the NBL24 ladder heading into their next home game on Sunday against the Brisbane Bullets.

For the Wildcats, a victory would keep them undefeated in Perth across three home games. 

PLAYER TO WATCH

One of the league’s brightest young talents, Ariel Hukporti has showcased his game-changing athleticism throughout the first two rounds of NBL24.

The Togolese-German Next Star currently leads the league in rebounds and blocks per game, and will look to continue this form against Perth.

Speaking to media ahead of the game, Chris Goulding praised Hukporti’s play so far this season.

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“He’s been amazing for us, he’s been rock solid these first three games and we need him to keep doing that.”

KEY MATCHUP

We’re set for a must-watch matchup on the wing come Friday night, as Perth import Jordan Usher looks to limit Chris Goulding in their first meeting.

Across his first three games, CG43 has knocked down the second-most triples in the league so far (nine), and has showcased a proclivity to get hot when playing at RAC Arena.

Having cashed in on more threes (56) than any other opposition player at RAC Arena, Goulding will look to add to his tally on Friday night.

Usher will aim to do what he can to slow down Goulding, while providing an offensive punch of his own.

Currently ranked fourth in the league in points per game, Usher will be hoping to find the form that saw him pour in 35 points in the Wildcats’ season opener.

THE OTHER GUYS

Perth’s team in NBL24 is once again built around their leader in Bryce Cotton. Surrounding the three-time MVP is a wealth of talent, including star big-man Keanu Pinder.

With Cotton and Pinder looking to work through their two-man game, the Wildcats will look to spread the floor with shooters like Tai Webster and Michael Harris.

The ever-intriguing X-factor for Perth is French Next Star, Alex Sarr, who has flashed a varied skill set that has seen him skyrocket up NBA Draft boards. 

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

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip-off: 9:30pm AEDT, Friday 13 October, 2023

Where: RAC Arena, Perth

Watch: ESPN via Kayo