DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 16, Game 1 v Sydney Kings

In a battle for second place on the ladder, Melbourne United will be looking to pick up our 14th win of the season on Thursday against the Sydney Kings.

Across the past two seasons, we have dominated the matchup against the team from the harbour city, winning four of the last five games.

This has included a pair of thrilling home wins earlier in NBL25, however this matchup will come on the road at Qudos Bank Arena.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

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

Kings - W, L, L, W, W

After a pair of low-scoring performances, Dean Vickerman will be looking to orchestrate an offensive performance similar to some of our early season showcases.

Across NBL25, we hold a 6-1 record when scoring above 100 points; a mark we haven’t hit since Round 11.

If we can do that against the Kings, who themselves have lost three of the four contests where they allowed their opponent to score in triple digits, we will be poised for a positive result.

STARS COLLIDE

While our offensive struggled in moments against Adelaide last round, Chris Goulding continued his stellar run of form.

Our captain finished with 18 points and four three-pointers. This was the ninth game this season having splashed at least four triples.

One of the men tasked with stopping him from repeating such a performance will be Bul Kuol, who has established himself as one of the league’s top perimeter stoppers.

Kuol himself is shooting 40% from beyond the arc this season.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Sydney Kings

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Saturday 9 January, 2025

Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney

Watch: ESPN