Preview: Round 6 Game 1 v Perth Wildcats

It’s been a long time coming, but finally Melbourne United returns to John Cain Arena on Saturday evening and it promises to be a blockbuster match-up against the reigning Champions, Perth.

After last Saturday’s game against the Cairns Taipans was postponed, Melbourne heads into this encounter having not played since February 10, which was a hard-fought three-point win over the Hawks in Wollongong.

Well rested and unbeaten, United is back home and will be looking to start the NBL Cup off with a win.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Scotty Hopson had his best game for United in his last outing and will be looking to continue that strong form against the Wildcats. With Chris Goulding and Shea Ili still out due to injury, United’s offence will continue to rely heavily on Hopson, and we all know just how dangerous he is.

Against the Hawks, Hopson finished with a team-high and personal season-high of 21 points, while also grabbing 9 rebounds. Hopson found his place in the team’s offence and he’s the type of player you can give the ball to down the stretch and good things will happen.

There’s plenty of shooting on the wings for Perth with the likes of Todd Blanchfield, Luke Travers and Clint Steindl, so Hopson’s role in slowing them down will also be important.

KEY MATCH UP

Jock Landale is a massive part of everything that United does, and the same goes with John Mooney for the Wildcats.

This big man match-up will be vital to the outcome of the game and both have started season 2021 in scintillating form.

Landale can do it all on both ends of the court and continues to give opposition coaches headaches with his versatility. Averaging 15.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, Landale helps anchor Melbourne’s defence, while also being a constant threat on the offensive end.

In his first season in the NBL, Mooney has quickly become one of the best big men in the league. He’s a beast on the boards is providing vital points alongside superstar Bryce Cotton. Mooney is averaging a double-double of 16.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

THE OTHER GUYS

Perth had what can only be described as a rollercoaster Round 5. In a double-header round against South East Melbourne, the Wildcats dismantled the Phoenix in the first game to the tune of 31 points, but just three days later, the Phoenix turned the tables with a dominant 25-point win.

The Wildcats are struggling for consistency this season, but when you have a player of Cotton’s calibre with some great role players around him, the team is always a threat.

Cotton is the focal point of Perth’s offence and he’s the league’s second leading scorer with 22.6 points, while also dishing out 7 assists per game. Cotton and Mooney have formed a strong one-two punch and they’ll be battling it out with Mitch McCarron and Landale all game long.

Blanchfield and Mitch Norton are two barometer players for Perth. They provide an extra punch of energy and if Blanchfield gets going from deep he can change the course of a game, while Norton is a relentless defender who loves to get in his opponent’s face.

Sitting at 2-3 on the season, Perth will come out firing as they look to even their record.  

GAME INFO
Date: Saturday 20th February
Tip off: 3:00pm: Cairns Taipans v Illawarra Hawks, 5:30pm: Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne.
Tickets: Just $10 and can be purchased HERE 
Watch: SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.
Listen: 1116 SEN