DrinkWise Preview: Round 10 Game 1 v Sydney Kings

The NBL Cup is done and dusted and with that means a road trip for Melbourne United. Round 10 will tip off with a Friday night blockbuster between two rivals: Melbourne and Sydney.

There would be no better way to break out of a slump than taking care of business on the road against the Kings and that’s exactly what United will be aiming to do.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Mitch McCarron was Melbourne’s leading scorer on Saturday night against Illawarra and his consistency this season has been a highlight. Every time McCarron steps on the floor, you know exactly what you’re going to get.

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He’s involved in everything on both ends of the court, getting loose balls, deflections, steals and he’s having his best offensive season since arriving in Melbourne.

Averaging 12 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game, McCarron has been making key plays in big moments this season.

With Casper Ware capable of taking over games, McCarron will look to keep the pressure on him all game long.

KEY MATCH UP

In Round 9, Jarell Martin returned to the court for the Kings in the first time in almost a month and in their win over Brisbane on Saturday night, he was immense.

His 21 points on 56% shooting helped Sydney get the win and there’s no doubt that he will only get better as he spends more time on court.

Martin will be key for the Kings, just as Jock Landale always is for United.

When these two teams last met on 27 February, Landale was dominant with 20 points and 7 rebounds as Melbourne claimed a nail-biting three-point win, 83-80. His versatility caused problems for the Kings that night.

Martin didn’t play in that game and he’ll be keen to showcase his game against one of the best big men in the league. This is a match up that will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the game.

THE OTHER GUYS

Sydney currently sits sixth on the ladder with a 7-8 record and have won three of their last six outings. Just like United, the Kings have had their injury issues this season, but with Martin back on court, they’re starting to get healthy again and pose a real threat.

Ware has been on fire this season, averaging 20.5 points, 4.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. As we all know, he loves to rise to the occasion and will be looking to have a big game against his former team.

Young gun Dejan Vasiljevic has been shooting the lights out in his first season as pro, just as he did in his college career at the University of Miami. Vasiljevic had a season-high 32 points against Cairns in Round 8 and is averaging 17.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, while shooting a very efficient 45% from deep.

He’s an absolute sharpshooter and needs to be paid close attention to on the perimeter.

Jordan Hunter (7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game) and Brad Newley (8.5 points and 5 rebounds) are vital frontcourt pieces for the Kings, while Shaun Bruce (6.7 points, 3.7 assists and 2.8 rebounds) plays key minutes in the backcourt.

GAME INFO

Who: Sydney Kings v Melbourne United
Tip off: 7:30pm (AEDT), Friday 19 March
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Watch: ESPN and SBS On Demand.