Match Preview: 2021 NBL Blitz - Game 4 v SEM Phoenix

Melbourne United will aim to close the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz on a high note this Sunday afternoon when they face the South East Melbourne Phoenix at Melbourne Sports Centre - Parkville.

Both United and Phoenix have had up and down results across the first three games of the pre-season, tallying one win and two losses each.

With NBL22 so close, this Throwdown preview is a can’t miss for Melbourne fans.

PLAYER TO WATCH

With his official NBL debut just over a week away, all eyes will be on Matthew Dellavedova and how he is gelling with his new teammates.

Defensively, Delly has looked on another level so far in the Blitz, neutralising his opposite man and forcing major adjustments.

Watch for the Olympian to lean more on the offensive side of the ball in this final outing, using his size to overpower guards, while stretching the D with his dangerous three-pointer.

KEY MATCHUP

Having quickly established himself as a microwave scorer, Caleb Agada will have his hands full this weekend against The Phoenix's powerhouse wing, Mitch Creek.

A physically imposing player, Creek will look to attack Agada from all angles, while using his size to limit the Nigerian Olympian’s effectiveness on offense.

For Caleb, this will be a major test to prove how much of a scoring presence he can bring to United throughout NBL22. If he is able to pile up the points, while getting his teammates involved against Creek, he will be able to do it against just about anybody in the league.

THE OTHER GUYS

Motivation will be high for South East Melbourne, as they look for a measure of revenge after being unceremoniously bounced from the playoffs by United last season.

Kyle Adnam continues to improve as a leader, Ryan Broekhoff is always a threat from beyond the arc, and import guard Xavier Munford has been effective so far.

In the absence of marquee import Zhou Qi, who has returned to China for National Team duties, the Phoenix will lean heavily on Dane Pineau and Tristan Forsyth against United’s super-sized front line rotation.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Tip off: 3:00pm (AEDT), Sunday 28th December
Where: Melbourne Sports Centre, Parkville (closed door)
Watch: Australia - Kayo Freebies, International - NBL YouTube