Rival challenges United to find spark amid slump

Having lost six of their past eight games, pressure is starting to mount on Melbourne United.

Most recently, Dean Vickerman's side lost to Tasmania 84-75, marking their second-lowest scoring output of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season.

It isn't just on the offensive end that the six-time champions are struggling, with Melbourne conceding the fourth-most points per game (94) since Round 10.

NBL champion Damon Lowery believes United's "major issue" during this stretch is the poor play of import trio Milton Doyle, Tyson Walker and Jesse Edwards.

While Adelaide 36ers sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic, whose side defeated Melbourne 114-105 during that stretch, has called on one of the team's leaders to step up during this time of adversity.

"They haven't been playing good basketball as of late, only managing 75 points against Tasmania last game," Vasiljevic said on Wednesday's NBL Now.

"Alarm bells are ringing, but they need to figure out who's going to step up.

"I feel like it needs to be CG (Chris Goulding). He's done it throughout his whole career here in the NBL."

In the same vein, the two time NBL champion has faith that United will turn it around sooner rather than later.

"It might be this game, might be the next game, but I wouldn't worry too much about United. It'll come,” Vasiljevic said.

“They've been the best team in the league for the last few years for a reason, and always up there. Dean Vickerman and United know what they're doing.”

Wednesday night presents United with an opportunity to return to the winners circle, hosting Cairns in an exciting Ignite Cup fixture in Bendigo from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.