Drinkwise Preview: NBL25 - Pre-season, Game 2 v SEM Phoenix

Fans are set to be treated to a preview of the league's best rivalry as Melbourne United face off against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday night at State Basketball Centre.

Both playing their second pre-season games this week, this matchup will be the perfect opportunity for each coach to test different lineups, while still getting a good run into their stars ahead of the NBL Blitz.

For Melbourne, Head Coach Dean Vickerman expects to re-introduce the quartet of Matthew Dellavedova, Chris Goulding, Ian Clark and Marcus Lee back into the fold on Saturday.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Set to play his first game back since his stint with the Australian Boomers at the Paris Olympics, all eyes will be fixed on Matthew Dellavedova come Saturday evening.

The league’s best pure point guard, ‘Delly’ is coming off a dominant NBL24 campaign, which saw him lead the league in assists, while also orchestrating a number of scoring explosions when called upon.

Always one to attack the game head on from the opening tip, Saturday will be a great opportunity for United fans to see how the star guard is shaping up ahead of NBL25. 

KEY MATCHUP

When it comes to outside marksmanship in the NBL, no player is as well respected as Chris Goulding, who has shattered every three-point record in the modern era of the league.

The only active player to have made 1,000 three-pointers, Goulding will look to fire away from downtown while matching up with the Phoenix new sharpshooting import, Joe Wisekamp.

The former NBA wing impressed in his first taste of NBL competition, finishing with 14 points in 23 minutes on Thursday night in the Phoenix’s loss to Brisbane.

Look for these two to spend significant time chasing each other around screens as they look to fire away from deep.

THE OTHER GUYS

Featuring an almost entirely new lineup, the Phoenix have a collection of weapons at their disposal heading into NBL25.

Former Finals MVP Derrick Walton Jr is hoping to make a huge impact in his return to the league, while his past Kings teammates Jordan Hunter and Angus Glover will provide a sense of familiarity to the American guard.

Bronze Medal-winning Boomer Nathan Sobey will also look to impress in his new surroundings, however the former Bullet has struggled against United over the past five seasons, only managing three wins from 16 games.

Perhaps the most exciting addition for SEM is Next Star Malique Lewis, who showcased his ability to impact the game off the bench, scoring 15 points and knocking down a trio of three-pointers.

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

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs SEM Phoenix

Tip-off: 7pm AEST, Saturday 31 August, 2024

Where: State Basketball Centre, Wantirna

Watch: Stream available via the Melbourne United App.