{"id":47852,"date":"2026-01-14T11:41:33","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T01:41:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/?p=47852"},"modified":"2026-01-14T11:41:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T01:41:35","slug":"united-at-crossroads-amid-form-slump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/united-at-crossroads-amid-form-slump\/","title":{"rendered":"United at crossroads amid form slump"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

IN THE early stages of NBL26, Melbourne United<\/a> started their season 9-0 and looked to easily be the title favourites. In their tenth game of the season, their streak was ended by the Sydney Kings<\/a> after a dominant 34-point performance by Kendric Davis<\/a>, and since then, they have produced a questionable record of 6-9, and are currently on a three-game losing streak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the midseason break, their offence and defence have noticeably gotten worse, with the latter partly due to the loss of Shea Ili<\/a>, who hasn’t played since mid-December and is predicted to be back for round 19. Offensively, they have just not been able to score the ball as efficiently as they used to. Inconsistent play from top scorer Milton Doyle<\/a> has been unreliable to say the least, shooting in the low thirties from the field since the start of December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Star guard Milton Doyle has struggled on the scoring front of late. Photo: via NBL<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To put into perspective where they rank amongst the top teams as of now, they have not won a game against a top-three team since beating SEM Phoenix<\/a> 92-81 in November. Since then, they are 0-4 against the top three, which will not look good going into the finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United have shown that at their best, they are arguably the best in the league. With such a talented roster offensively and defensively, if their confidence and morale are boosted to how they were at the beginning of the season, along with the return of 2x DPOY Ili, they will be on the hunt for that championship trophy, but if they have their eyes set on that, then their play will need to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Adelaide 36ers<\/a> have firmed as the championship favourites, while all six teams currently in the play-in staking their own claim for the title of late. United was once head and shoulders above the competition, but will need to drag themselves out of their slump given how tight the state of play is heading into the pointy end of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slowly moving lower and lower on the league table, they still will maintain their spot in the finals series, but unless they want to be sent home early, they will need to find their form before it is too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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