DrinkWise Preview: Round 18 Game 1 v Perth Wildcats

Melbourne United rebounded with a win over cross-town rivals the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Round 17 and will be looking to get some payback against the Perth Wildcats on Thursday night.

The Wildcats were too good in Round 16, and United will be hoping to correct what went wrong in that game and take it up to Perth on their home court in another top of the table clash.

Melbourne boasts a 22-6 record to sit on top of the ladder, while Perth is second with a 20-7 record. There’s no doubting that this game is vital in the race for the top spot and home court advantage throughout the post-season. Buckle up.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Scotty Hopson has scored at least 15 points in three of his last four outings and he is a deadly offensive weapon off the bench for Coach Dean Vickerman.

Hopson has shown throughout the season his ability to take over offensively for stretches, scoring three or four buckets in a couple of minutes. This is vital for the team going forward, helping to take some of the scoring load off Jock Landale and Chris Goulding.

Averaging 24.5 minutes per game, no matter how many points he scores each game, just his presence on the court makes things easier for his teammates as defences are forced to guard Hopson closely every trip down the court. This opens up driving lanes for United guards and as we’ve seen all season long, they’ve taken advantage.

With Perth’s depth being a key to their success, Hopson’s energy and scoring punch off the bench will be as important as ever.

KEY MATCH UP

Jock Landale was a man possessed against the Phoenix on Saturday evening and will have his hands full against the Wildcats dynamic big man duo of John Mooney and the freshly signed Will Magnay.

Magnay didn’t see any court time when Perth took on New Zealand on Sunday, but he’ll likely be ready to go for this one. After starring for Brisbane last season, Magnay was given an NBA opportunity with the New Orleans Pelicans and played one game for the Pelicans in late March.

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Landale did it all in Throwdown VIII and South East Melbourne didn’t have any answers as he stuffed the stat-sheet with 27 points (season-high), 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. Not to be outdone, Mooney also had a monster game in his last outing. He was too much for the Breakers to handle, finishing with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Landale and Mooney have proven themselves to be the best big men in the league this season and this match-up will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the game.

THE OTHER GUYS

United fans saw exactly what the Wildcats bring to the table in Round 16 and Perth has won two games in a row after taking care of business against New Zealand at RAC Arena on Sunday, 98-84.

Superstar Bryce Cotton was at his scintillating best against the Breakers, finishing with 32 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds and zero turnovers. Cotton is the key for Perth and United will need the defensive prowess of Mitch McCarron, Shea Ili, Yudai Baba and Sam McDaniel to be at an all-time high to keep him somewhat contained.

Todd Blanchfield is having a super consistent season for the Wildcats and he’s the type of player that can get hot and score plenty of points in quick succession. Averaging 14.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, Blanchfield is a vital piece of Perth’s puzzle.

Mitch Norton (7.6 points, 3.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game) and Jesse Wagstaff (7.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game) are both important players for the Wildcats. Norton is a great defender and will make life difficult for United’s guards, while Wagstaff – as he’s done his entire career – just gets the job done and hits open shots.

Clint Steindl, Luke Travers and Jarred Bairstow make a difference when they get on the court and all three highlight the depth that Perth has.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats.
Tip off: 9:30pm (AEST), Thursday 13 May.
Where: RAC Arena, Perth.
Watch: ESPN and SBS On Demand.