DrinkWise Preview: Round 19 Game 2 v Brisbane Bullets

After almost a week between games, Melbourne United will be well rested and ready to go ahead of another crucial clash, this time facing the Brisbane Bullets on their home court.

With just five games remaining in the regular season and a Finals spot already locked in, it’s time to unite ahead of a thrilling finish to the regular season and then what is sure to be an action-packed Finals series.

Although Round 19 continues on the road, United will be back home at John Cain Arena in Round 20 and as the race for top spot continues, it’s time to get behind your team in the quest for home court advantage throughout the Finals.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jock Landale and Chris Goulding stole the show in the win against the Hawks earlier this round, but Scotty Hopson was also a driving force in the win.

Hopson’s presence off the bench was massive and his efficiency – both shooting and playmaking – was elite. He finished with 13 points on 5/8 shooting from the field, including 3/5 from three-point land.

His shooting was impressive, but Hopson’s ability to bring teammates into the game with his passing was even better. Recording a season-high 8 assists, Hopson was delivering on-time and on-point passes that ensured easy buckets for United.

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While dishing out a season-high in assists, Hopson also took care of the ball, giving up just one turnover for the game, further highlighting his efficiency.

Melbourne’s ball movement was incredible against Illawarra and it led to great looks on the offensive end. Hopson will be key to seeing the offensive execution remain at a high level against Brisbane.

KEY MATCH UP

With Nathan Sobey having been added to the Boomers Olympic squad just days ago, that now means two Boomer squad members will be going head-to-head in this encounter: Sobey and Mitch McCarron.

The guard battle between McCarron and Sobey will have a huge influence on the outcome of this game. Both are heart and soul players for their respective teams and do whatever is asked of them.

With so much on the line for both teams, expect this match up to have some spice and neither will take a backwards step.

Sobey has been brilliant for the Bullets all season, averaging the second most points in the league with 22.4 per game, while also adding 4.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

McCarron did it all against Illawarra to start Round 19 on his way to recording 7 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. He’s one of the superior two-way players in the league and his defensive work will be tested against Sobey in promises to be a fun match up.

THE OTHER GUYS

Brisbane kept their Finals hopes alive earlier in Round 19 with a stirring comeback win over Perth. Trailing by as many as 18 points, the Bullets fought their way back into the contest and took the lead with just nine seconds to go, before holding on for a gutsy three-point win, 91-88.

Lamar Patterson was the man for Brisbane, finishing with a team-high 23 points and 5 rebounds. Patterson is a player that often rises to the occasion down the stretch of close games and he’ll need to be kept in check.

Matt Hodgson lodged a double-double in the win with 16 points and 12 rebounds. He’s been a consistent contributor for the Bullets this season and scored his season-high 24 points against United back in March. Landale, Mason Peatling and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. will be tasked with slowing him down on Monday.

Anthony Drmic is an exciting player who always leave everything on the court. Having said that, he’s struggled against United this season, averaging just four points in three meetings. Drmic’s the type of player who can heat up quickly, and even though he hasn’t hit his shots against Melbourne so far, he’ll need to be guarded tightly.

Jason Cadee is a barometer for the Bullets – when he’s playing well and hitting shots, Brisbane is a tough team to beat. The shooting prowess with Cadee and Goulding on the floor is world-class, so sit back and enjoy the battle!

BJ Johnson was a late season signing for Brisbane and while he’s played just four games and still finding his feet in the league, he’s a dangerous threat. He was vital in Brisbane’s win over Perth, recording 13 points and 5 rebounds, while hitting a pair of clutch free throws in the final second to seal the win.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets.
Tip off: 7:30pm (AEST), Monday 24 May.
Where: Nissan Arena, Brisbane.
Watch: ESPN and SBS On Demand.