NBL22 Match Preview: Round 3 United v Kings

After dropping their first game of the season on the road against the Sydney Kings, Melbourne United will look to return the favour on Thursday evening at John Cain Arena.

Falling just short in their home opener on Sunday afternoon, the defending champs will be buoyed by the return of their captain, Chris Goulding, who will see his first action of the young season.

Led by CG43, look for United to continue their winning ways against the Kings in Melbourne, having won 10 of the past 11 games at John Cain Arena against Sydney.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Speaking of Goulding, all eyes are sure to be on the marksman ahead of his return to the court.

Playing at what he described as “the best place to play” for the 100th time (the most ever by an NBL player), Chris will look to pick up where he left off in his final preseason game.

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In his last on-court spell, Goulding lit the South East Melbourne Phoenix up for 26 points in 29 minutes, including a quintet for bombs from beyond the arc.

Look for Goulding to be aggressive from the outset, searching for his own shot and opening up opportunities for his teammates all over the court.

KEY MATCHUP

Fans should be prepared for a battle of the big men in Thursday night’s contest, as Jo Lual-Acuil matches up against Jarell Martin.

After a relatively quiet performance in Melbourne’s first meeting with the Kings, JLA picked things up, recording a United record seven blocks, while adding 17 points in his next time out on the court.

For Martin, the threat of JLA as a shot-blocker may cause the ex-NBA player to play on the perimeter more and pull Melbourne’s defensive anchor away from the rim.

While Martin has only knocked down three of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc, his jumpshot is one that has to be respected.

THE OTHER GUYS

Potentially missing a number of their key players, the Kings will have to lean on their youth and speed to cause issues for United.

Jaylen Adams appears likely to miss the contest, while Jordan Hunter and RJ Hunter both missed Sydney’s last game against Illawarra.

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Missing these players, the Kings will lean on the likes of Xavier Cooks and Angus Glover, who combined for 30 points and 18 rebounds in the Round 2 loss to the Hawks.

The visitors will also be looking for a strong performance from Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, who contributed a career high 11 points in his last game, and Dejan Vasiljevic, who is making his long awaited return from injury.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v Sydney Kings
Tip off: 7.30pm (AEDT), Thursday 16 December
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Tickets: https://bit.ly/Game2NBL22
Watch: Australia - ESPN or Kayo