RD5 GAME PREVIEW V MELBOURNE UNITED

Round 5 – Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United

Friday 27 October, 7.30pm tip-off

MyState Bank Arena

Watch LIVE on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

State of Play

It’s a 1st vs 2nd blockbuster under Friday night lights at MyState Bank Arena as the JackJumpers play host to Melbourne United. Tasmania have always pride themselves on their defence, but it’s perhaps been their offence that’s impressed, and maybe surprised some this season. Heading into Round 5, Tasmania ranks 1st in the league for offensive rating this season (122.8), while Melbourne ranks 1st in the league for defensive rating this season (102.8). What to take from that? The team that can execute at both ends of the floor will walk away winners on Friday night.

Doyle and Crawford will of course be crucial for the home side, but it’ll be the test of the depth of the bench but also the big men that will be a key difference. Marcus Lee will have his work cut out for him, with big threats above the rim in Luke Travers and Ariel Hukporti.

Fun Facts

Heading into Round 5, Jordon Crawford ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (3.5) this season.

Melbourne has won four games in a row - longest active winning streak in the league so far.

Last time they met  

NBL24 ROUND 2, October 2023 – John Cain Arena

MELBOURNE UNITED 75 (Goulding 12, Clark 11, Loe 10) def by

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 80 (Doyle 25, Crawford 18, McVeigh 13)

Milton Doyle exploded for 14 points in the final quarter to lead Tasmania to a come-from-behind 80-75 upset of Melbourne United.

SRT Logistics Coaches’ take

Assistant Coach Mark Radford said “Melbourne are a bit of a benchmark of the league. They're a stable club coaching wise and player wise have been pretty consistent. A little turnover this year obviously but you know Melbourne United's coming to town you know you better be ready,

“Obviously JLA's back, Hukporti as well. A couple of people to worry about and the rest of the team is very talented as well as you know. It's going to be pretty challenging”.

“There'll be punches thrown all night, as it was the Sydney game. It'll be a different type of game, but there'll be ebbs and flows and we talked this week already about momentum and when we have it what we need to do and when we don't have it what we need to do. So hopefully that will hold us in good stead when the time comes”.

Ins & outs 

Tasmania JackJumpers: Will Magnay won’t suit up for the JackJumpers as he continues to recover from a foot injury sustained in the off season.

Melbourne United: Matthew Dellavedova will sit out another round as he recovers from concussion.