FRIDAY night will play host to the second lot of National Basketball League (NBL) semi-finals action with Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix set to lock horns.

The two sides have a rich history despite the Phoenix only entering the competition last year, with a healthy rivalry between the cross-town rivals brewing with each and every game. This series will be no different with the growing tussle between the two sides sure to make for great viewing. With Victoria out of action due to the ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns in place the match between United and the Phoenix will be played at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

United have been top of the ladder for majority of the season racking up 28 wins and only dropping eight games while for the Phoenix they registered 19 wins and 17 losses. The Phoenix had a rough finish to the season with Brisbane Bullets finishing on 19 wins too but South East Melbourne’s percentage fractionally better gifting them their first shot at playoffs. United have only lost one of their past five games while it is a different story for the Phoenix who just snuck into the top four. South East Melbourne have struggled to put their best foot forward in their past five outings dropping three out of five games but finals are a completely different ball game and one United have always struggled with in the past. Often known as the bridesmaids when it comes to NBL history, Melbourne United will be hoping to open their account with a strong win and edge one step closer to that all-elusive premiership.

There is no denying that Jock Landale has been revelation since joining Melbourne United with the star showing what he is capable on the big stage. Landale averages 16.4 points a game along with 7.89 rebounds and 2.37 assists. There is no going past Chris Goulding with the veteran a steady and calm head for the side with his ability to control the tempo and step up to the plate when necessary. Goulding averages 15.67 points a game plus 2.6 rebounds and 2.27 assists. Jo Lual-Acuil is having a season to remember with the bigman imposing himself off the bench with his 9.69 points and 5.66 rebounds while Mitch McCarron has been a pillar of consistency and will need to deliver to give United an edge. Throw in the likes of Scotty Hopson and Yudai Baba and United have a plethora of scoring options.

When looking at the Phoenix there is no shortage of superstars with Mitch Creek, Keifer Sykes and Ryan Broekhoff all impressive candidates. Creek has been a lynchpin in the side able to rally the troops or carry the side on his back to victory averaging 18 points, 6.41 rebounds and 3.62 assists a game. Sykes is another force to be reckoned with registering 14.04 points and 5.29 assists while Broekhoff is yet to reach the peak of his powers putting up numbers of 7.56 points and 3.5 rebounds. Kyle Adnam has upped the ante in season 2021 producing impressive numbers thanks to his average of 12.61 points and 3.64 assists. The Phoenix will need the likes of Cameron Gliddon, Yannick Wetzell and Ben Moore to find their groove if they are to get over the line.

Melbourne United vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix
Friday, June 11 @7:30pm

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Melbourne United
Sunday, June 13 @3:00pm

Photo credit: Graham Denholm