DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 3, Game 1 v Perth Wildcats

Our boys are set to jet across the country for a much anticipated clash with long-time rivals, the Perth Wildcats inside RAC Arena.

The west has been a happy hunting ground for United over the past few seasons, having beaten Perth on their home court in eight of their last nine meetings.

A win would be our third of the season and would provide strong momentum heading into Sunday afternoon’s home opener against Cairns.

For the Wildcats, this will be their third consecutive game playing inside RAC Arena to start the season.

HEAR FROM KYLE BOWEN AHEAD OF HIS RETURN TO PERTH HERE

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

United - W, W, L

Wildcats - W, L

After two strong wins to start the season, wayward shooting from beyond the arc and the free throw line saw Dean Vickerman’s group go down for their first loss against Tasmania last week.

Perth similarly went down, falling to the Kings in their lone game of the round in their home opener.

The defeat however built on a concerning trajectory for the Wildcats, who have now lost four of their past six home games.

LISTEN TO JACK WHITE HIT THE AIRWAVES THIS WEEK HERE

STARS COLLIDE

After two impressive showings in Round 2, all eyes will be on Jack White when he faces off against versatile import forward Kristian Doolittle.

With United, White has never lost inside RAC Arena, and is fresh off a weekend where he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds.

He will need to match this offensive effort at the defensive end to slow down Doolittle, who scored 21 points of his own in Perth’s matchup against the Kings, despite tallying seven turnovers.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip-off: 9:30pm AEST, Friday 4 October, 2024

Where: RAC Arena, Perth

Watch: ESPN via Kayo