DrinkWise Preview: NBL24 - Round 6 vs Perth Wildcats

Melbourne United will look to keep their winning streak alive when they host the Perth Wildcats on the Eve of the Melbourne Cup as part of Indigenous Round.

Wearing the artwork of proud Taungurung woman, Tiffany Hunter, United will celebrate First Nations people in front of what is looking likely to be a sold-out crowd.

A win would be MU’s seventh in a row, and their 11th in their past 13 games against the Wildcats.

For Perth, coming off a bounce-back win against the 36ers on Saturday evening, they will aim to continue their climb back up the ladder and avenge their loss to Melbourne in Round 4.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Matthew Dellavedova is set to make his return to the court on Monday following four games on the sideline due to a concussion.

The legend of Australian hoops has been champing at the bit to rejoin his teammates, and will look to bring his usual brand of hard-nosed, unselfish play to John Cain Arena.

‘Delly’ was pivotal in United's Round 4 win over Perth, registering 11 points, six rebounds and six assists while coming up with a big bucket down the stretch.

Look for Olympian to come out aggressively from the opening minute of the contest.

KEY MATCHUP

When it comes to slowing down three-time league MVP winner Bryce Cotton, there aren’t many more skilled players within the NBL than Shea Ili.

In Round 4, the Kiwi dynamo hassled Cotton tirelessly, restricting the import to just 11 points, all without picking up a single foul.

Despite averaging an NBL career-low in points per game so far in NBL24, Cotton is coming off a 29-point outing on Saturday evening, and will be hoping to keep that form going down in Melbourne.

THE OTHER GUYS

Ensuring Cotton’s supporting cast is firing on all cylinders will be crucial for the Wildcats come Monday evening.

After a career-best season with the Taipans in NBL23, Keanu Pinder has seen his scoring and rebounding drop, while import duo Jordan Usher and Kristian Doolittle have struggled to find consistency with their shooting (43% and 35.3% field goal shooting respectively).

As they’ve searched for some toughness, Hyrum Harris has proved to be a big piece for Perth, with the New Zealand native stepping up defensively after being injected into the starting lineup.

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

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Monday 6 November, 2023

Where: John Cain Arena Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Foxtel and Kayo

Listen: Cluch Radio

Tickets: Ticketek