DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 16, Game 2 v New Zealand Breakers

Fresh off a thrilling victory on Thursday, we are set to head back on the road in hopes of securing another win away from home, this time across the ditch against the New Zealand Breakers.

After going down to the Breakers at home in our first meeting of the season, we bounced back in Round 11, overcoming NZ by 27 points.

Finishing Round 16 with another W would be huge for the team, as we look to secure a top-two ladder position with four Rounds remaining.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

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

Breakers - L, W, L, L, L

Thursday’s win over Sydney built on a positive defensive trend for Dean Vickerman and his group. Across the course of NBL25, when holding teams under 90 points, we have a 10-1 record.

Hitting this mark could be achievable against the Breakers, who themselves have struggled to put the ball in the hoops at times. 

New Zealand have tallied below 90 points in 14 of their 22 games, holding a 3-11 record in such outings.

STARS COLLIDE

Missing Parker Jackson-Cartwright due to suspension, fellow import guard Matt Mooney has been tremendous for the Breakers across the past four games.

The American sharpshooter has averaged 26.3 points and 6.3 assists per game in PJC’s absence, while also recording a team high +13.3 in his minutes on court.

The task of slowing down Mooney will be a team effort, however expect to see Shea Ili match up on the import for extended minutes.

Fresh off a season-high 20 points in Sydney, the reigning DPOY is in the midst of the best scoring season of his career, and will again look to put pressure on the defence with his pace.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs New Zealand Breakers

Tip-off: 5:30pm AEDT, Monday 13 January, 2025

Where: TSB Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand

Watch: ESPN