NBL 2014/15 Round 10 Preview: Sixers look to bounce back against red-hot United
Adelaide 36ers vs. Melbourne United
Friday, 12th December – 7.30pm (local time)
Cairns Convention Centre
Odds: Adelaide $2.20, Melbourne $1.70
Tickets: Click here
Melbourne United will travel to Adelaide to take on the lowly Sixers in a clash that, on current form, looks one-sided but on paper will likely be much closer.
United held on to beat Townsville last week minus Jordan McRae, who was back in America after the birth of his child, and are looking more and more like the dark horse challengers to New Zealand and Perth for the title. They will look to keep the momentum going, with the likes of Stephen Dennis and Mark Worthington continuing to lead their side up and down the court.
Adelaide will have winning on their mind after enduring a tough losing stretch, with a number of close losses to quality sides rubbing salt into their wounds. The form of Jamar Wilson has been a positive, with the American turning it on in his past few outings, however debate surrounds whether his style of play is helping or hindering his side’s quest for wins.
Key Player:
Brock Motum View image | gettyimages.com The Australian forward came to the NBL with the expectation that he was going to make Adelaide a much better side and potentially help them make a run towards the playoffs, but instead the Sixers remain winless since his arrival and languishing in the cellar of the league.
Motum started his NBL career strongly but his form since has been patchy. It is clear that the big man has the talent to make a big impact in on the 36ers’ season with still half of the season to play, and stepping up to lead his side to a much-needed victory over the in-form side of the league would be a perfect way to start.
What To Watch For:
Plenty of points from the perimeter
United have built their game on shooting the three-ball, and last time they travelled to Adelaide they managed to have nine of their ten players nail at least one shot from deep in a 40-point rout. The Sixers are also beginning to find their groove from the perimeter of late, with Wilson in particular finding his range. If recent form is anything to go by then there is sure to be plenty of hot-shooting again in this contest.
Final Word:
United has won both clashes with the Sixers this season and are in red-hot form right now, while the Sixers are struggling in the midst of a frustrating losing streak. In their meeting at Adelaide Arena earlier this season it was all United in a rout, while in Melbourne a fortnight ago the home side had to survive a furied late rally to hold on to a three-point win. While this clash should be much more like their second meeting rather than their first, the visiting side is simply travelling too well right now to tip against, but don’t discount the hungry Sixers at home.
Melbourne by 5
