DrinkWise Preview: Semi Final Game 1 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Written by Melbourne United Media

With the regular season done and dusted, it’s time for Melbourne United to make the final push towards a potentially historic back-to-back championship season.

After finishing the regular season on top of the ladder for the second consecutive campaign, Melbourne will look to stand UNITED AGAINST TASMANIA for their opening round series against the JackJumpers.

Wearing their Multicultural Jerseys (which they’ve never lost in during the Finals), United will welcome in the JJ with a fully healthy squad.

For Tasmania, after a slow start to the year, the league’s newest team has been on fire, winning 15 of their last 20 outings.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Absent from United’s final game of the season was superstar point guard Matthew Dellavedova, who did not travel to Tassie after having a dental procedure.

Fully recovered and ready to perform at the highest level, Delly will look to continue his hot run of form.

Over his last five games, the NBA Championship winning guard has averaged 12 points, four assists, three rebounds and nearly two and a half three-point makes per game. All five of those games also ended in victories for United.

Having already showcased his ability to step up under the brightest lights, look for Delly to put his stamp on the game early against the JJs.

KEY MATCHUP

While Tassie’s backcourt has provided much of the side’s fireworks this season, stopping the interior threat posed by import Forward MiKyle McIntosh will be critical for Melbourne.

The big-man has averaged over 13 points per game against United in three games this season, which is nearly five points higher than his stats against the rest of the league.

Bringing versatile forward Jack White Back into the fold should provide Melbourne with some much needed size and speed to throw at McIntosh.

While only played in one of the side’s three meetings, Melbourne’s New Year’s Day victory in Tasmania.

The highflyer will aim to keep his perfect record against the JJs in-tact on Thursday evening.

THE OTHER GUYS

Looking at Tasmania’s side, the vast majority of their offence runs through their import-filled back-court of Josh Adams and Josh Magette.

The duo average close to 30 points and eight assists per game, and will once again look to use the threat of their three-point shot to test United.

Also a threat from the outside are Clint Steindl and Jack McVeigh, who are amongst the league’s top deep shooters.

The JJs also possess a number of stout defenders in Matt Kenyon and Sam McDaniel who will look to make life difficult for the likes of Chris Goulding and Matthew Dellavedova.  

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Tip off: 7.30pm (AEST), Thursday 28 April, 2022
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: GET THEM HERE
Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo Freebies and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube