DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 8, Game 2 v Perth Wildcats

Melbourne United will look to make it two wins from two games in Round 8 when we welcome the Perth Wildcats into John Cain Arena on Saturday evening.

Both teams are coming off strong performances on Thursday evening, however we have owned the matchup in recent years, winning 12 of the previous 15 matchups.

This includes our most recent clash with the Wildcats, which ended in a 29-point drubbing at RAC Arena in Round 3.

WATCH ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THURSDAY’S WIN OVER BRISBANE

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

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

Wildcats - L, W, W, L, W

Across our last four victories, a clear trend has been the ability to shut down our opposition’s major three-point threats.

We have allowed just 6.75 long range makes in these victories, forcing teams to look inside and challenge elite rim protectors such as Marcus Lee, Jack White and Rob Loe.

For Perth, overcoming our effort on the defensive glass (league-best 31.3 defensive rebounds per game) will be a priority.

The Wildcats have been the best offensive rebounding team all season, averaging 15 O-boards per game.

STARS COLLIDE

Saturday night will see two of the most physical forwards in the competition battle it out, as Jack White and Kristian Doolittle face off.

White has been as advertised since returning to the league, having tallied the league’s most double-doubles, while also leading NBL25 in rebounds per game and defensive rating.

Doolittle will have to do a lot in order to stop the former Duke captain. The American has upped his scoring and rebounding in his second season with Perth, however his three-point shooting has dropped to just above 20%.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip-off: 8pm AEDT, Saturday 9 November, 2024

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Kayo

Tickets: Via Ticketek