DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Round 12, Game 2 v Sydney Kings

We are set to return home for the first time in three weeks for an important clash with the Sydney Kings on Sunday afternoon from 2:30pm.

Having dropped three straight games, including a hard-fought overtime contest on Friday, Sunday is a massive opportunity to regain some momentum and solidify our position in the top two on the ladder.

The Kings will however be coming into the John Cain Arena full of confidence, having beaten the Perth Wildcats by 29 points on Friday.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Coming off the close defeat, Head Coach Dean Vickerman outlined the positive takeaways from the contest, and how the team has improved compared to their two previous outings.

“I’m just worried about us getting better,” Vickerman said. 

“We slipped a little bit and there’s still a lot of things to work on but generally, the intent to play the night way tonight (Friday) was much improved.

“Our commitment to get second shots tonight, the way that we crashed offensive boards, the way that we dove on the floor, just the general winning plays that we made tonight with effort was so much better than the past two games.”

Despite the big win in Perth, Kings Head Coach Brian Goorjian said Sunday’s matchup will be a battle of two desperate teams.

“We’re going to get a desperate team (in Melbourne), but I keep saying, so are we,” Goorjian explained.

“Every game is now a dogfight for us and we’re playing for our life. We’re trying to make the playoffs.

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

Making his return to the lineup on Friday, Shea Ili showcased he is still one of the league’s most influential players.

Despite playing with a minutes restriction, Ili finished the game with a season-high 13 points, while the team outscored the 36ers by seven with him on the floor.

While it remains to be seen how long this restriction will be imposed, Ili will have to battle with Kings guard Kendric Davis when on the floor.

The import is coming off his best game of the season, tallying 38 points and eight assists on Friday against the Wildcats.

DETAILS

Who: Melbourne United vs Sydney Kings

Tip-off: 2:30pm AEDT, Sunday 14 December, 2025

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne 

Watch: Channel 10 & ESPN

Tickets: Available here