NBL27 Preview - Round 3 Game 1 vs Tasmania JackJumpers

With the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season well underway, United are facing their first double-header. Starting Thursday, they travel across the Bass Strait for a matchup against the Tasmania JackJumpers, for their first interstate road game of the year. 

Following last Thursday’s dominant Throwdown 33 performance, Head Coach Jacob Chance and his playing group are looking to keep the good times rolling as they head into an NBL24 finals rematch in hostile territory. 

WHAT’S THE WORD?

In Chance’s words, the NBL is a league with “10 very unique [and] different teams,” and the JackJumpers are no exception.

However, Chance exuded confidence when he commented on Thursday’s gameplan, and for double headers to come. 

“We're all locked in on Tassie right now…that's going to present its own challenges with how they play and how good they are,” Chance explained.

“Our goal right now is to build a brand, build an identity that we think can play anywhere on short notice or on a bigger week prep like we had this week with Tassie. We’re going to get tested here with the physicality battle.”

Big-man Josh Oduro, who has been on a tear of his own as of late, expressed that same confidence, in his play and his coach. 

“I'm used to playing a lot of games in a short amount of time, I'm excited to go to Tassie, play against them, and be on that island,” Oduro said.

“I think [Chance is] leading our team really well. My favourite thing is his whiteboard execution. He's going to be a great coach all-time [and] I'm glad that I'm playing under him right now.”

WHO’S HOT? WHO’S NOT?

United were outstanding defensively in their last game, holding the South East Melbourne Phoenix to 27.3% field-goal percentage, their lowest in franchise history. 

Melbourne’s defensive versatility was on full display in that game, as everyone committed to a full 40 minutes of effort on that side of the ball. 

Adaptability will be essential against the JackJumpers; a team that plays at the slowest pace in the league, a far cry from the run and gun style of their crosstown rivals. 

On the scoring end, United’s Josh Oduro is finding it hard to miss a shot through his first two games in blue, shooting 78.9% from the field on just under 10 shots a game. 

Additionally, there’s no doubt that the backboard will be spotless, as Oduro cleans the offensive glass better than anybody in the competition, vacuuming in 4.5 per game on his own. 

For the opposition, the dynamic-duo of Taran Armstrong and David Johnson will be Tasmania’s best asset in an attempt to defend home-court. The guards currently average 19.5 and 22 points per game respectively on great efficiency. 

Armstrong has been deadly in fourth quarters, scoring nearly half his points in the period with nine a game, proving Melbourne will need to come out strong to avoid any late game pushes from Tasmania. 

DETAILS 

Who: Melbourne United @ Tasmania JackJumpers

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEST, Thursday October 1, 2026

Where: MyState Bank Arena, Hobart

Watch: ESPN via Disney+ and Kayo