Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United: Monday Preview

Game Details
Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United
7.30pm WST Monday 4 April @ RAC Arena
Watch LIVE on ESPN – available via Kayo or Foxtel

Context
The Perth Wildcats have lost their last two games after winning their previous six. Despite sitting on top of the ladder, United have also dropped their last two. A Wildcat win will help solidify their position in a crowded top-four, and it could see Melbourne fall off the top of the standings for the first time since Round 9.

Pre-game words
Scott Morrison on simplifying the game plan
“Our recent play has changed our preparation a little bit. Just trying to simplify and hopefully the guys can think less and play more. Sometimes it’s hard to go all out and fly around when you’re thinking about what your coverage is supposed to be, or what the rule is.”

Scott Morrison on Melbourne’s game
“Playing hard, flying around, competing. That’s what Melbourne does the best. They rebound, they run, they’re in your face, they’re pressuring, they’re giving multiple efforts. It’s a very commendable style of play. If we don’t at least try and match that we’re going to have one foot in the grave to start the night,”

Roster Availability 
Development player Ollie Hayes-Brown returns from injury. Mitch Norton and Michael Frazier II remain out with hamstring injuries. Corey Shervill (foot) is out for the season.

Caleb Agada will miss the game for Melbourne after a heavy fall in their game on Saturday,

Opponents to watch out for
Jo Lual-Acuil leads Melbourne in both scoring and rebounding, while veteran Chris Goulding averages 14.7 points per game including 3.2 threes. Melbourne championship player Yadai Baba has re-joined Melbourne for the remainder of the season. He averaged 7.8 points per game in 2021. Jack White top-scored in Melbourne most recent game with 17 points on Saturday.

Last time they met
In arguably Perth’s biggest scalp of the season, they defeated Melbourne 97-87 at John Cain Arena on 10 March, with Mitch Norton leading the way with a career-high 26 points.

Fun Facts and Stats
Melbourne have played 20 of their last 11 games at John Cain Arena.
Perth have never lost at RAC Arena on a Monday night (five games). 

History
Perth and Melbourne are the two most dominant teams of the NBL over the last five years. Since 2015, they have evenly split their 38 matches with 19 wins each. While the Wildcats won their last match up, United claimed the previous six.