DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 – Round 15 vs Adaleide 36ers

Melbourne United will look to start the new year with a bang as we head towards a clash with the Adelaide 36ers.

After picking up two wins by 20 points each in our previous games against the Sixers in the NBL25, we hope we can win our three regular season games cleanly on Saturday.

A win would ensure we stay in the top two spots in the rankings, while a loss could see the team drop to fourth place in the table.

Winning every game is a must for Adelaide as they look to earn a play-in spot.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Last five games)
United – L, L, L, L, W

36ers – White, L, L, L, W

After allowing four games in a row of 97 points or more, all of which were defeats, our defense was at its stifling best on Boxing Day against the Taipans.

Dean Vickerman will preach about the importance of maintaining that defensive consistency because when we hold teams under 90 points, we’ve won the last eight games.

It’s a similar story for Adelaide, who conceded more points per game than any other team in the competition.

When the Sixers concede more than 100 points this season, they have a record of 0-10. In the previous two games against Adelaide we averaged 109.5 points.

STARS COLLIDE

In our two meetings with the 36ers this season, we did a good job of keeping their stars under control.

While Kendrick Davis averaged 23.5 points over the two games, this was largely due to his 26 free throws, with the American averaging just five field goals per game.

This is a result of tight defense from the league’s best rim protector, Marcus Lee, who recorded five blocks against Adelaide this season.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Adelaide 36ers

Tip: 5:30pm AEDT, Saturday January 4, 2025

Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

Watch: ESPN