DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Round 5, Game 2 v New Zealand Breakers

Looking to tally a seventh consecutive victory, we are set to return home to Melbourne on Sunday afternoon for a matchup with the New Zealand Breakers.

Having already beaten the Breakers once this season; a Round 1 demolition by 32 points, we will be hoping to replicate that performance as the club celebrates The Multicultural Game.

For New Zealand, two wins from their last three games has provided the team from across the ditch some confidence as they look to gather momentum.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Despite our six-straight wins, Dean Vickerman said the team remains focussed on continuing to improve in order to move to 7-0 on Sunday.

“I think it’s about what we talked about before the game (on Friday), asking ‘What do we want to celebrate’,” Vickerman said.

“When you get on a bit of a winning streak, you have to keep driving to say “The things that we’ve been great at, can we improve on some of those’, and for moments we did tonight, and moments we didn’t.”

After voicing his disappointment with the way his side played the last time they were in Melbourne, Breakers coach Petteri Koponen said the group will be looking to “do the boring stuff” in order to pick up a second straight win.

“Every game in this league is important,” Koponen explained.

“We didn’t play a perfect game (on Friday), but we found a way to win the game, and do those things we talked about. The little things, the boring stuff.

“Boxing out, stopping your man one-on-one, the little things… we have to get enjoyment out of the boring stuff.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

Heading into Sunday, our fans will be hoping that Chris Goulding can continue the terrific form he’s started the season with.

After a record-setting game on Friday, Goulding brought his averages up to 19 points per game in less than 19 minutes of action.

The Breakers will be hoping that the addition of Sam Mannenga, who missed the two side’s first battle in Round 1, will make a significant difference on Sunday.

The big man is averaging a career-best 16.2 points and nine rebounds per contest.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers

Tip-off: 2:30pm AEDT, Sunday 19 October, 2025

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: Channel 10 and ESPN

Tickets: Available here