WHAT better way to kick off Round 16 of the National Basketball League (NBL) than a matchup between two title contenders as Melbourne United face off against the Sydney Kings in what could be a preview of the upcoming finals.

Both sides sit in the top three in the standings, and are regarded as heavyweight contenders for the 2024/25 championship. These two teams have had some classic encounters in the past and tonight promises to be another storied chapter in their shared history.

Whoever wins this clash will occupy second spot in the standings, and will be just one game behind the ladder-leading Illawarra Hawks, so the stakes are extraordinarily high.

Sydney Kings vs. Melbourne United

Thursday, January 9 @ 7:30pm
Qudos Bank Arena

THE TEAMS

The Kings have been getting the job done over the past couple of months, and currently sit in third spot, behind Melbourne on percentage alone. Sydney was always going to be among the contenders this season given its strong recruiting and the appointment of Brian Goorjian as head coach, and things are starting to click at the right time of the season.

Melbourne currently lead the Kings by 0.16 per cent on the ladder and tonight’s clash will be a test of wills when it comes to holding onto the top two spot. However, United will be looking to get back on the winners’ list after losing to the Adelaide 36ers in South Australia last round. However, good sides like Melbourne rarely lose two in a row, so expect a significant bounce back.

LAST TIME THEY MET

It was a cracking contest the last time these two sides locked horns, with United claiming a three-point win at John Cain Arena back at the start of December. The Kings looked down and out at various stages of the match, but their comeback fell short as United continued merrily on their way following a dominant first half display.

KEY PLAYERS

The Kings have been boosted by the excellent form of Jaylen Adams of late, with the former MVP proving why he is one of the best point guards in the NBL. With an ability to turn a match with some ridiculous shotmaking, Adams has been consistently putting together 20+ points each match, and slowing him down is key to getting the better of Sydney.

There is no one more important to United than the team’s skipper and veteran sharpshooter in Chris Goulding. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Goulding has shown no signs of slowing down and has been Melbourne’s most productive player on the offensive end. Last time these sides met, he knocked down six triples and broke the game wide open, and if he has a similar level of production again, it will be tough to stop Melbourne.

PREDICTION

Sydney by five points.