DrinkWise Preview: Round 7 Game 1 v Adelaide 36ers

The NBL Cup is now in full swing and after bouncing back against the Cairns Taipans on Monday night, Melbourne United will now look to make it back-to-back wins when they face the Adelaide 36ers on Thursday night at John Cain Arena.

Looking back, United claimed the win over the 36ers in Round 1 with a dominant second half display that was powered by a total team effort with everyone playing their role.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Yudai Baba might just be the quickest man in the NBL and to say it’s exciting to watch him play would be a massive understatement.

He’s able to fly past guys when he shifts into top gear and in the win over Cairns on Monday night, Baba was phenomenal, especially late in the game.

Baba finished with a career-high 17 points on 75% shooting from the field, as well as 4 rebounds and 3 assists. His spin move to the bucket which finished with a classy lay-up with 1:30 remaining in the game was crucial, while he also calmly sunk a pair of clutch free throws 30 seconds earlier.

Baba and Mitch McCarron were dominant – on both ends of the court – and they have quickly formed a deadly backcourt duo.

KEY MATCH UP

It’s too hard to pick just one match-up when there are four big men who command plenty of attention.

Jock Landale and Jack White v Daniel Johnson and Isaac Humphries is going to be epic.

Johnson (19.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game) and Humphries (16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds) are leading the way for Adelaide, dominating on offence and being key cogs on the defensive end too.

They are a dynamic frontcourt duo and there’s no doubting that Landale and White will need to be ready from the opening tip to combat their influence.

Landale was again a game-changer in the win over the Taipans, recording another double-double (18 points and 11 rebounds) and his three-point shooting is what makes him one of the most versatile players in the league.

GET THE FACTS, DRINKWISE.ORG.AU

He drained four triples against Cairns and Landale’s shooting will force both Johnson and Humphries to come out of the paint to defend him from the beyond the arc. This opens up driving lanes and space for United’s guards to operate in.

White continued his stellar rookie season last game, with 9 points and 8 rebounds. He has an uncanny knack of being involved in the big moments and it’s clear already that he thrives on playing late in games.

Against Cairns he scored with one minute remaining to put the game to bed and help United get back on the winners list.

THE OTHER GUYS

Adelaide owns a 6-5 record and claimed a nail-biting 99-94 win over South East Melbourne on Tuesday night. Johnson (27 points and 10 rebounds) and Humphries (24 points and 11 rebounds) continued their fine form, while Josh Giddey (15 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds) stuffed the stat sheet.

Giddey has the eyes of NBA scouts on him every time he steps on the court and he has been showcasing his do-it-all game throughout the season. McCarron and Baba will be looking to make life as difficult as possible for the 18-year-old.

Tony Crocker and Sunday Dech are two vital pieces to Adelaide’s puzzle, averaging 10.5 and 9 points per game, respectively. Crocker and Dech are both in their first seasons with the 36ers and are beginning to settle into their roles.

GAME INFO

The NBL Cup - Thursady 25th February
Game 1: Sydney Kings v New Zealand Breakers, 5:00pm tip off 
Game 2: Melbourne United v Adelaide 36er, 7:30pm tip off
Tickets: $10 tickets available here
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne.
Watch: ESPN and SBS On Demand.
Listen: 1116 SEN