Game Details
Round 14, Tasmania JackJumpers (11-9, 4th) vs Melbourne United (10-12, 8th)
5.30pm AEDT Saturday 7 January @ MyState Bank Arena, Hobart
Watch: ESPN via Kayo/Foxtel
Listen: Cluch Radio
Game context
The Tasmania JackJumpers will be looking to continue their strong from at home against Melbourne United on Saturday night. The Nest hasn’t been the fortress it quite was last season, with the JackJumpers dropping early games in the season for a 2-4 home record. However, three home wins on the trot has the team looking to make MyState Bank Arena a fortress once again as they aim for a playoff birth.
They face Melbourne United, whose form all season has parallels to the JackJumpers record at MyState Bank Arena. After a poor start to the season, they have found some wins in recent weeks, and are an outside chance for a playoff birth.
Today’s game will have big implications for both teams, Melbourne can almost forget about the post season with a loss today, while Tasmania will likely drop out of the top six if they fail to win with a loss today.
This is their third and final meeting of the regular season, with the JackJumpers winning both games on the road. The main difference for Melbourne today is they have Shea Illi in the lineup. United’s key playmaker missed a number of games early in the season due to ongoing concussion issues. Since his return to the lineup their offense has looked far more potent, and he has also played a key role picking up key defensive assignments, so expect him to take Josh Magette or Milton Doyle today.
Embed from Getty ImagesSpeaking of defense, the JackJumpers welcome back arguably their two best front court defenders in Sam MacDaniel and Matt Kenyon, who have both had significant time away with calf injuries. Coach Scott Roth will ease the two guards back into the rotation in a similar fashion to what he has done with Clint Steindl. The good news is he has plenty of guard talent to put on the floor, with Issac White and Sean MacDonald making the most of their opportunities in recent weeks, and now give the JackJumpers some serious depth in the guard spots.
The JackJumpers will also look to put the pressure on the ball, they have forced 21.5 turnovers per game across their last four games.
Stat facts
Tasmania has matched up well with United since entering the competition They hold an overall record of 5-1, including winning the last four in a row. Melbourne’s only win over Tasmania came on New Years Day 2022.
Melbourne has come into the game winning four of its last five, and Tasmania winning three of its last four. The losses for both teams have come against the Sydney Kings.
The two sides take the least amount of free throws in the NBL, Tasmania 16.1 and United 16.3. A key part in both of Tasmania’s wins over United this season has been keeping them away from the foul line, averaging just 8.5 attempts compared to the JackJumpers 17.5.
Lineups
The JackJumpers will be at full strength, with Sam McDaniel and Matt Kenyon being cleared to return to the lineup after both sustaining calf injuries. Kenyon hasn’t played since November 5 while it will be McDaniel’s first game since November 18.
United will also be at full strength, with playmaker Shea Illi to play his first game against Tasmania this season.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat has been said
Tasmania coach Scott Roth about Melbourne United who are have improved in recent weeks and are looking to make a late finals run.
“Well they’re back to full strength so they’re quite dangerous, and they’re lurking there in the playoff hunt also. So we’re expecting a great game from them and with having [Shea] Illi back and their roster in-tact now. I think they’ve won five of their last seven so we’ll definitely have our hands full.” he said.
Scott Roth, speaking to JackJumpers Media
While United coach Dean Vickerman reflected on what Tasmania do well, and the challenges they face in beating the JackJumpers home floor.
“Tassie challenge you with how relentless they are in the effort areas, their ability to make you turn the ball over, their ability to rebound the basketball at both ends of the floor. You know if you don’t match that or handle that area, they are a tough cover at anytime, but certainly at home.”
“They’re a top four team right now, for us to go down there and get a win will take us great discipline.”
Dean Vickerman, speaking to United Media
NBL 22-23 Matchups
Tasmania has won both games against United this season, both being played in Melbourne. They held Melbourne to a season low 64 points in their comprehensive win in October. While United’s loss in November will be remembered as the one that got away. Melbourne led for the entire game and had impressive shooting splits of 57% from the field, 43% from three and 100% from the foul line. However, it was late turnovers by United and a 23-15 final quarter by Tasmania that saw sneak home 94-90.