Match Preview: 2021 NBL Blitz - Game 3 v Illawarra Hawks

Two games down, two to go.

Halfway through the 2021 Hungry Jacks NBL Blitz, Melbourne sit with one win and one loss, and will look to climb back up the ladder with a win over Illawarra Hawks.

The Hawks have only played one game so far in the Blitz, a back-and-forth overtime victory against the Sydney Kings.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Saturday night will see the debut of Melbourne United’s Next Star, Ariel Hukporti, who has been champing at the bit for his first taste of NBL competition.

The Togolese-German skyscraper has been a game-changing presence in team scrimmages, impacting the game on both ends with his size and athleticism.

With hopes of boosting his NBA Draft stock, you’ll be sure to find Ariel flying high for huge dunks and sending Illawarra shots into the stands.

KEY MATCHUP

We’re set for a battle of shooters on the wing, with Melbourne United captain Chris Goulding set to go up against Illawara’s own Next Star, Justinian Jessup.

Playing limited minutes across United’s first two games, Goulding has flashed his usual brilliance, sinking five threes while finding his teammates for good looks.

Jessup however will be looking to one-up CG43, having already nailed seven of his nine three-point attempts en-route to a 27-point performance against the Kings.

Being closely watched by the Golden State Warriors, expect to see Jessup to continue being aggressive looking for his own shot.

THE OTHER GUYS

 A playoff team last year, Illawarra will be hoping to continue its upwards trajectory while getting its new additions rolling ahead of NBL22.

American trio Tyler Harvey, Antonius Cleaveland and Xavier Rathan-Mayes all bring NBA experience, scoring and toughness on the wing, while Boomers center Duop Reath will look to improve on his preseason debut, which saw him foul out with seven points and just one rebound.

The Froling Brothers, Sam and Harry, will also look to combine on the interior after a slow start against Sydney. The siblings combined for 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven fouls in over 48 combined minutes.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks
Tip off: 7:30pm (AEDT), Saturday 20 November
Where: Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (closed door)
Watch: Australia - Kayo Freebies, International - NBL YouTube