DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 19 v Tasmania JackJumpers

After over a month on the road, Melbourne United are set to hit the court in front of our home fans on Saturday evening against the Tasmania JackJumpers in another edition of the Bass Strait Battle, powered by Marinus Link.

With a top-two spot on the line for United, fans can expect the group to come out with energy as we hope to avoid the Hungry Jack’s Play-In Tournament.

For Tasmania, five consecutive losses has put them in a position where a loss on Saturday may eliminate them from postseason contention.

The game will also see both club's celebrate diversity and inclusion as part of Champion Pride Round.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Past five games)
United - W, W, L, W, W

JackJumpers - L, L, L, L, L

Riding five wins in seven outings on the road, we will be hoping to bring this hot form back to Melbourne.

Since the start of Round 14, we have had the league’s best defensive rating (111.7 points allowed per 100 possessions) and defensive rebounding percentage (80%).

This has been the type of play Head Coach Dean Vickerman has been looking for, as he looks to gather momentum heading into the postseason.

The JackJumpers however have enjoyed no such success, losing seven of their past eight games by an average margin of 18.9 points per game.

STARS COLLIDE

Across our seven-game road stand, Chris Goulding led from the front, averaging 19.7 points and 4.4 three-point makes per game.

He will look to do this once again come Sunday while contending with star import Milton Doyle.

The JackJumpers guard has averaged 15.7 points per game against us this season, but has struggled at times this season, shooting a career-low 36.5% from the field and 32.1% from three.

Whichever team leader can step up on Saturday will go a long way towards determining the result.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Tip-off: 8pm AEDT, Saturday 1 February, 2025

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN

Tickets: Available here