On Saturday, January 4, 2025, the Adelaide 36ers will face off against Melbourne United at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for Round 15 of the National Basketball League (NBL). The tip-off is set for 5:30 PM AEDT, and expectations are high as the 36ers aim to avenge their previous losses to United.
Adelaide hopes to shake off the disappointment from earlier encounters, where they suffered significant defeats—most recently, a heavy 113-93 loss. "It’s a revenge game for us, we know what they did to us last time," DJ Vasiljevic of Adelaide stated emphatically, underscoring the urgency for his team to reclaim their pride and playoff hopes.
Following this past defeat, the 36ers have staggered through their season, managing to win only one of their last five home games. They've struggled with consistency, evidenced by losing seven of their last eight contests following the Melbourne defeat. Yet, Adelaide experienced a morale-boosting victory against Sydney, defeating the Kings 111-96, which they hope to build upon before facing their formidable opponent.
Melbourne United, currently one of the league's top teams, sits comfortably among the playoff contenders, sporting an impressive away game record with just one loss over the last three months. Their leader, Ian Clark, has been instrumental for the squad, often stepping up during pressure moments, and he will be key to United's attempt to secure another victory against Adelaide. They defeated Cairns Taipans 76-66, snapping their own losing streak, and will be eager to maintain momentum.
The stakes are high, not just for pride but also for playoff positioning. Adelaide finds itself just outside the top six and views every game as a must-win opportunity to keep their postseason hopes alive. Vasiljevic emphasized the importance of winning: "There’s still a chance (for the playoffs) and it can be done... We will stick together and keep moving forward." Their resolve for this matchup hints at a tangible desire to transform the narrative of their season.
Integral to this match will be the defensive strategies of both teams. Adelaide has been known to concede more points than any other team this season, holding the unfortunate record of 0-10 when allowing more than 100 points. With Melbourne having scored 109.5 points on average against the 36ers this season, defensive intensity will be pivotal for Adelaide's success.
The competitive environment is heightened as the game doubles as the first of the Summer Shootout tournament, where teams compete for additional prize money based on scoring. A sell-out crowd at the home arena is anticipated, and with the presence of festive energy, both teams will be on high alert.
With Melbourne having dominated the last two meetings, players like Kendrick Davis of Adelaide will need to deliver standout performances. He has showcased his scoring ability yet often struggles against tight defenses, making this matchup particularly pivotal for his future outings. Earlier contests indicated how adept Melbourne’s rim protector Marcus Lee is at stifling Adelaide's offensive plays, having accumulated five blocks against them this season.
Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman will stress the importance of continuation of the defensive performance observed against Cairns. Holding Adelaide under 90 points has proven effective, leading to their recent win streak when maintaining such standards. The match's result could hinge on whether Adelaide can break through Melbourne’s defense and exploit their home-court advantage.
This encounter promises excitement, with both sets of players showing no shortage of determination and skill. How Adelaide responds to the pressure could shape their season moving forward. Meanwhile, Melbourne aims to solidify their stance at the top of the standings, and as Vasiljevic aptly noted, each game presents the potential for intrigue and high stakes: "It will be packed out, it will be very hostile, and it will be exciting. Let’s jump ball and play!"
Fans can watch the game live on ESPN or via streaming on Kayo Sports, with the captivating storylines making it one of the most anticipated matches of the NBL season.