Match Preview: NBL22 - Round 1 vs Sydney Kings

THE CHAMPS ARE BACK!

Melbourne United return to the court for their first game of the NBL22 season against the Kings in Sydney tomorrow. 

While the defending champs had a somewhat disappointing pre-season, winning only one of their four games, including a loss to Sydney, United will be looking to start the season with an emphatic victory over their long-time rivals.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Lacing them up for his first NBL game with United, Sunday’s contest carries an extra level of importance for Brad Newley.

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The veteran guard spent the past five years playing in Sydney, including helping the Kings to a pair of victories over Melbourne last season.

Showcasing his ability to impact the game off the bench across the pre-season, expect for Brad to step into a larger role at the weekend as United aim to fill the void left by an injured Chris Goulding.

A strong passer, stout defender and reliable scorer, Newley’s experience and leadership will go a long way in propelling Melbourne to a victory in game one.

KEY MATCH-UP

In a battle of former NBA guards, all eyes will be on the back-court matchup at Qudos Bank Arena.

Making their NBL debuts, Australian basketball legend Matthew Dellavedova will be matched up against athletic American Jaylen Adams.

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Delly will aim to lock up Adams, who is coming off a 16-point performance in his lone game of the NBL Blitz, and use his strength to bully his way to the rim for good looks.

With Adams limited by the Boomers point guard's tenacious defence, the Kings will have to look inside for the bulk of their scoring.

THE OTHER GUYS

Boasting their own formidable front line, Sydney’s bigs will look to go toe-to-toe with Melbourne’s twin towers of Jo Lual Acuil Jr and Next Star Ariel Hukporti.

Jarell Martin and Xavier Cooks have both been highlighted by the media as potential MVP candidates, while Jordan Hunter and the Maker cousins (Makur and Matur) can all impact the game on both ends.

On the wing, the Kings have a strong mix of shooting and athleticism in the form of Angus Glover, Shaun Bruce, RJ Hunter, Biwali Bayles and Jaylin Galloway, who will aim to attack United’s defence from all angles.

GAME INFO

Who: Sydney Kings (home) v Melbourne United (away)
Tip off: 3:00pm (AEDT), Sunday 5 December
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Watch: Australia - ESPN, Foxtel, Kayo and 10Peach, International - Find out here