Can Melbourne United Maintain Their Winning Streak Against South East Melbourne Phoenix? NBL Game Preview

Oct 20

2 min read

October 20, 2024 | 2:30PM (AEDT) John Cain Arena

Melbourne United vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix Game Preview

The local derby between Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix promises to deliver intense competition with both teams looking to assert their dominance early in this big matchup. Melbourne United have demonstrated a strong start, showing resilience and tactical depth, while South East Melbourne Phoenix are eager to capitalise on their talent-rich roster after the sacking of Head Coach, Mike Kelly.

Key Matchups

Jack White & Marcus Lee (MEL) vs. Matt Hurt & Jordan Hunter (SEM): This battle in the paint will be pivotal. White's return to Melbourne has bolstered their interior presence, and along with Lee, provides formidable defense and scoring. Matt Hurt and Jordan Hunter, however, present a dual-threat on both ends and are crucial for Phoenix in matching Melbourne’s size and skill in the frontcourt.

Chris Goulding (MEL) vs. Derrick Walton Jr (SEM): This duel showcases two of the league’s premier scorers. Goulding's shooting ability and leadership are vital for United’s success, while Walton Jr's versatility and knack for energizing his team puts pressure on Melbourne's perimeter defense. Both players are capable of swinging momentum with their play.

Key Stats

Melbourne United:

Melbourne ranks 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (45.5)
Matthew Dellavedova has recorded six or more assists in each of Melbourne's last six home games
Jack White has scored 15+ points in each of Melbourne's last four games as a favourite
Melbourne has won each of its last six games against South East Melbourne

South East Melbourne Phoenix:

South East Melbourne has lost each of its last nine games.
SE Melbourne ranks 10th in the league for rebounds per game this season (37.6)
South East Melbourne Phoenix are averaging 85.3 PPG which is in the bottom third of the league
South East Melbourne Phoenix are allowing 92.6 PPG which is also in the bottom third in the league.

Why Melbourne United Wins:

Melbourne United's balanced attack, driven by experienced players like Goulding and White, secures them a major edge. Their high field goal percentage and robust defense allow them to control the pace of the game. If they can maintain their defensive intensity and rebound effectively against Phoenix’s formidable front line, they are well-positioned to emerge victorious.

Why South East Melbourne Phoenix Wins:

The Phoenix's shooting and adept ball movement could be the keys to outpacing Melbourne. Should Hurt and Hunter establish dominance in the paint and Walton Jr finds his rhythm, South East Melbourne may have the firepower to outlast their cross-town rivals. Exploiting any defensive lapses with their perimeter shooting would be crucial to their success.

Expect a tightly contested match where strategic adjustments and player form could tilt the result in favor of either side, with Melbourne's consistency and defensive acumen slightly favoring them in this electrifying contest.