NBL27 Preview - Round 1 v Adelaide 36ers

Round 1 is finally here!

After months of waiting, Melbourne United is set to return to John Cain Arena for the start of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.

This will be the first opportunity to see the likes of Joe Ingles, Cole Anthony and Josh Oduro showcase their skill on the team’s home court wearing United blue.

On the other side, Adelaide will be hoping to start their season off with a bang following their Game 5 Championship defeat in NBL26. 

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Looking ahead to the game, club captain Chris Goulding touched on how he is approaching the matchup from an offensive standpoint, while touching on the pieces surrounding him.

“There's so much weaponry (on the team),” Goulding said. 

“I think it's important for me to be aggressive, and that can often lead to better shots for my teammates when I'm aggressive.

“We speak a lot about the type of shots. And the aggression in hunting out those shots more so than, hey, you need to go and get 20 points.”

Looking to ruin United’s home opener will be Adelaide’s Zylan Cheatham, who broke down his team’s mindset ahead of the matchup.

“For us, this isn’t our first rodeo,” Cheatham said.

“Obviously playing in Melbourne, one of the better cities in Australia, and you know, just having the opportunity to play basketball again and hear a whistle and not go against these guys (his teammates) every day, you know, that's kind of what I'm most excited about.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

Coming into Saturday night’s blockbuster, a number of United players will be looking to carry over their hot form from the NBL Blitz.

Having claimed the preseason tournament’s MVP, Luke Travers will aim to impress back in front of the United faithful, while Josh Oduro will look to ingratiate himself to his new fanbase.

Melbourne will have to slow down the Sixers the guard duo of Bryce Cotton and Flynn Cameron, who combined to average 42.5 points per game at the Blitz, while Cheatham led the competition in rebounding at 12 per game.

DETAILS

Who: Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEST, Saturday 18 September, 2026

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Disney+ and 9Now

Tickets: Available via Melbourne United Website