DrinkWise Preview: Round 7 Game 2 v Sydney Kings

The Melbourne v Sydney rivalry has grown tremendously over recent years and for the first time in 2021, United and the Kings meet.

With both teams looking to solidify their place among the top teams on the NBL Cup ladder, this one promises to be a must-watch encounter.

Sydney boasts 14 NBL Cup points, while Melbourne has 11.5. With $150,000 up for grabs for the winning club, NBL Cup points will be of extreme importance as the basketball extravaganza continues in Melbourne over the coming weeks.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Shea Ili is set to return to the line-up for this game and United fans will undoubtedly be happy to see him back in action.

Ili hasn’t played since February 5^th when he injured his ankle against Brisbane and his uncompromising defence and energy will be a great addition to a team that is 8-1 on the season.

Having started the season in flying fashion, Ili will be looking to get straight back into things against the Kings. Averaging 9.5 points per game and shooting 50% from beyond the arc, Ili has proven that he must be respected from deep.

With McCarron and Baba in fantastic defensive form, adding Ili into that mix will create absolute havoc.

KEY MATCH UP

Casper Ware did it all during his time in Melbourne, highlighted by playing a massive role in United’s 2018 NBL Championship. For the Kings this season, Ware has been in great form and his shooting has been extremely efficient.

Averaging 21.9 points, 3.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from beyond the three-point line highlights just how good Ware has been.

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We all know what Ware is capable of and slowing him down is key to stopping Sydney. Mitch McCarron, Shea Ili and Yudai Baba will all spend time guarding Ware and all three will play a vital role in attempting to wear down Ware on both ends of the court.

McCarron has been in blistering form as of late, averaging 15 points, 5 assists and 6.8 rebounds over his past four games. He’ll take the challenge right up to Ware and their battle will be great to watch.

THE OTHER GUYS

Sydney boasts a record of 5-5 and while some key players are sidelined due to injury, the Kings have shown a lot of fight this season. They’re a team to not take lightly.

On Thursday night, the Kings grabbed a big win over the Breakers and it was Jordan Hunter who stood up. Hunter dropped 24 points in 19 minutes and incredibly didn’t miss a shot from the field, going 9/9.

Ware leads the show, while young gun Dejan Vasiljevic – who is in his first season as a pro after four years of college basketball at the University of Miami – is a player who can get hot and shoot the lights out.

Vasiljevic is averaging 17.1 points per game and is attempting almost seven triples a game. He simply can’t be left open from deep, because he will make the opposition pay.

Brad Newley and Didi Louzada are back with the Kings for another season and Louzada had his best game of the season against the Wildcats in Round 6, scoring 19 points.

The Kings are without injured duo Jarell Martin and Xavier Cooks, but having spread the load across the group, they remain a very real threat.

GAME INFO

The NBL Cup - Saturday 27th February
Game 1: Adelaide 36ers v New Zealand Breakers, 5:30pm tip off
Game 2: Melbourne United v Sydney Kings, 8:00pm tip off
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne.
Tickets: Less than 150 $10 tickets left. Get yours here.
Watch: ESPN and SBS On Demand.
Listen: 1116 SEN