DrinkWise Preview: NBL24 - Round 5, Game 2 v Illawarra Hawks

Melbourne United will look to secure their sixth consecutive victory in a three week stretch when they face the Illawarra Hawks at home on Sunday afternoon.

This will be the second time the Hawks and United have met in the past nine days, with MU taking home a 10-point win on the road in Round 4.

Following a 90-82 victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers on Friday night, Melbourne will be full of confidence heading into a gameday that will see the club celebrate the 30 year anniversary of the Melbourne Tigers’ first championship victory.

For the Hawks, a one-point win over the Cairns Taipans has buoyed their hopes of reviving their season following a 1-4 start.

PLAYER TO WATCH

After making his return against the Hawks less than 10 days ago, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr has proved to be a problem for any and all defences he’s gone up against.

In his three games, all coming off the bench, JLA has averaged 15 points, five rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, while shooting the ball at 70% from the field in less than 20 minutes a night.

Returning home for his second game of the season at John Cain Arena, look for the former MVP finalist to play his aggressive brand of basketball at both ends of the floor.

KEY MATCHUP

In a battle of two of the league’s most versatile forwards, Luke Travers and Gary Clark are set to clash on Sunday afternoon.

Coming off a player of the game performance on Friday, Travers continues to impress in United colours, registering 14 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block against the JJs.

He will be tasked with stopping Illawarra’s former NBA talent on the wing, who registered a season-high 17 points the last time these two teams met.

Shooting just 26% from deep on close to five attempts per game, Clark will have to force Travers to respect his outside jumpshot when the two match up.

THE OTHER GUYS

Always keeping the Hawks in games, Tyler Harvey’s three-point range is a constant threat United will have to be aware of.

Coming off a contest where he connected on a game-winning triple, look for Harvey to hunt his shot early and often.

Surrounding the sharpshooter is one of the league’s most formidable pick-and-roll partnerships in Justin Robinson and Sam Froling.

If that pairing can create some gravity with their scoring, lots of opportunities open up for Illawarra’s shooters on the wing, such as Dan Grida, Todd Blachfield and Hyungung Lee.

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

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip-off: 2pm AEDT, Sunday 29 October, 2023

Where: John Cain Arena Arena, Melbourne

Watch: 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies

Listen: Cluch Radio

Tickets: Ticketek