DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 13 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Monday night will play host to one of NBL25’s biggest games so far when we face off against the Tasmania JackJumpers in The Open Air Game.

Each side has taken a win in their two previous meetings this season, so fans can expect a hotly contested matchup when the teams hit the court.

Across the history of The Open Air Game, we have put together strong performances, amassing a 8-2 record under the stars.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Past five games)
United - W, W, L, L, L

JackJumpers - W, W, W, W, W

In hopes of bringing our three-game losing streak to an end, we will have to break the league’s longest current winning streak.

Built on the back of their bench scoring (21.6 more bench points than opponents over last five games), Tasmania have no shortage of weapons that can impact the scoreboard.

Putting a stop to this will be a priority for Dean Vickerman, who will be hoping to return us to our usual position at the top of league defensive rankings.

STARS COLLIDE

With both teams featuring so much depth, having one player catch fire can sometimes determine the result of the contest.

Two players capable of doing this, whether to be as a starter or off the bench, are Ian Clark and Jordon Crawford.

Over his last three games, Clark is averaging 20 points per game, and is currently in the midst of his highest scoring season in the NBL to date.

Crawford has also recently settled into a reserve role, tallying a team-high 24 points in Round 12 against the Breakers.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Friday 15 December, 2024

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN