Adelaide 36ers vs Melbourne United NBL Round 15 Game Preview

Tip-Off: 5:30 PM AEDT, Saturday, January 4 | Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Adelaide 36ers vs Melbourne United Expert Analysis

The rivalry between the Adelaide 36ers vs Melbourne United heats up again this week, and after their last fiery encounter, there’s plenty at stake for both teams.

Adelaide, buoyed by a commanding win against the Sydney Kings, will look to build momentum with back-to-back victories—something they’ve struggled to achieve since October. Meanwhile, Melbourne United aim to continue their climb out of a mid-season slump after breaking a four-game losing streak with a win over Cairns.

Kendric Davis has been electric for the 36ers, averaging nearly 30 points over his last seven games. Adelaide’s defence will need to step up, but this game has the makings of a high-scoring shootout. United’s defensive lapses have been exposed recently, and their ability to contain Adelaide’s explosive scorers will likely determine the outcome.

The 36ers' key to victory lies in controlling emotions and executing on both ends of the floor. If Montrezl Harrell continues his strong play and Dejan Vasiljevic builds on his return from injury, Adelaide could find themselves celebrating another statement win.

For Melbourne, Chris Goulding’s impact—whether scoring or creating space—will be vital. A balanced offensive output and improvement on defence are necessary if United hope to silence the Adelaide crowd and secure a tough road win.

Key Matchups

Kendric Davis vs. Melbourne’s Perimeter Defence

Davis has been unstoppable recently, posting five 30+ point games in his last seven. Melbourne, ranked fifth in opponent three-point percentage, must find a way to limit his production.

Montrezl Harrell vs. Melbourne’s Frontcourt

Harrell dominated the paint against Sydney with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double. Melbourne’s interior defence will need to rise to the occasion to prevent Harrell from dictating the game inside.

Chris Goulding vs. Adelaide’s Perimeter Defence

Goulding’s presence transforms Melbourne’s offence. If he’s connecting from deep, it could open up opportunities for United’s big men and mid-range scorers.

Key Stats

• Kendric Davis: Averaging 29.71 points over his past seven games.

• Melbourne Defence: Ranked 5th in opponent three-point percentage (34.6%) and points in the paint (40.3 per game).

• Adelaide Scoring Trends: 13 of their 19 games this season have exceeded the total game score line.

• Head-to-Head: Melbourne leads this season series 2-0, with wins by 20 and 27 points.

Adelaide 36ers Form & Team News

Adelaide delivered a resounding response to critics with a 111-96 win over the Sydney Kings. The starting lineup was outstanding, with Kendric Davis leading the way with 30+ points for the fifth time in seven games. Montrezl Harrell added a dominant double-double, and captain Dejan Vasiljevic impressed with 19 points in just his second game back from injury.

The 36ers shot a blistering 57.7% from three-point range and 54.4% from the field, putting on an offensive clinic. However, their biggest challenge remains consistency, as they’ve struggled to string wins together this season.

Melbourne United Form & Team News

Melbourne ended a four-game losing streak with a gritty 76-66 win over Cairns on Boxing Day. However, their defence has been a concern, leaking an average of 108.5 points during their skid. The return of Chris Goulding adds much-needed leadership and floor spacing, as his absence during their slump highlighted how crucial he is to their system.

United will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to contain Adelaide’s potent offence. With six straight away games looming, they’ll be eager to start the stretch with a victory.

Why Adelaide Will Win

The 36ers are firing on all cylinders after their statement win against Sydney. If Davis continues his scoring tear and Harrell dominates inside, Adelaide’s offence will be tough to stop. A raucous home crowd could further energize the team, helping them deliver another strong performance.

Why Melbourne Will Win

Melbourne has already beaten Adelaide twice this season, and their experience in tight games gives them an edge. With Goulding back in the lineup and a renewed focus on defence, United can capitalize on Adelaide’s inconsistencies.

Conclusion

This matchup promises fireworks, with both teams bringing plenty of motivation to the court. Adelaide’s form and home-court advantage make them slight favourites, but Melbourne’s proven ability to bounce back under pressure cannot be overlooked. Expect a high-scoring affair, with the 36ers narrowly edging out a resilient Melbourne side.