DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 7, Game 1 v Sydney Kings

Melbourne United are set for another game in front of our fans on Thursday night when we welcome in the Sydney Kings to kick off Round 7.

Fresh off a pair of wins in Round 6, we will be looking to build on our momentum and string together a third consecutive victory.

This will however be no easy task, as the Kings look to turn around a recent string of poor performances which has seen them fall to fifth on the competition table.

LISTEN TO DEAN VICKERMAN AND CHRIS GOULDING PREVIEW THE GAME HERE

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

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

Kings - L, W, W, L, L

The two biggest contributing factors to our success of late has been defensive pressure and ball movement.

Across Round 6, opponents scored above 21 points in only one of eight quarters, while failing to register more than 15 assists in either game.

On the other end, we were able to find shooters and cutters in advantageous positions, tallying 44 assists on 65 made baskets in the two wins.

For Sydney, rectifying their struggles on the glass may be a major focus heading into the matchup. The Kings were out-rebounded in both their Round 6 losses, and Melbourne United rank as the league’s best rebounding team so far this season.

STARS COLLIDE

While it remains unclear whether Kings star Jaylen Adams will suit up on Thursday night, the most exciting match up remains between local stars Jack White and Xavier Cooks.

White was close to unstoppable on the glass in Round 6, averaging 16 boards per game to go along with 14 points and 55% shooting from the three point line.

White is likely to spend long stretches of the game guarding Cooks, as Sydney’s former MVP looks to continue his hot start to the season.

The 29-year-old is averaging a career-high in scoring, while acting as Brian Goorjian’s offensive hub.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Sydney Kings

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Thursday 31 October, 2024

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN via Kayo

Tickets: Available here