JLA reunion fuels United, Wildcats battle

Dean Vickerman is fired up for Melbourne United’s first NBL meeting with Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, while Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie says he wants to learn more about his group before the FIBA Break.

Both teams are rolling. United made it three straight with a gritty win over Illawarra, and Perth did the same against Tasmania. Now they collide on Sunday at John Cain Arena in their first clash of NBL26, since last year’s three-game Playoff Series. It also happens to be the final game before the FIBA international window.

After dropping their opening two games, Melbourne has stormed back to 12-2 and are guaranteed top spot heading into the break. Friday’s 105-102 escape in Wollongong came off a clutch Finn Delany triple, with JaVale McGee’s heave for Illawarra landing just after the buzzer.

Vickerman is embracing the challenge, especially with Melbourne still without Shea Ili and Perth missing Jaron Rillie.

"Perth are going to be a hell of a challenge and like us, they have an injured point guard so how you manage around that is going to be a key part of the game," Vickerman said.

"But then, there is JLA coming back to Melbourne and it is going to be a super fun game, and an intense game.

"Right now, I think we have beaten everybody in the league so this is the team we have not played right now, so to go into a FIBA window if we are good enough to win this game, it will be a nice spot to be."

Rillie is just as pleased with the Wildcats’ momentum. Three straight wins over Adelaide, New Zealand and Tasmania have them sitting at eight and five heading into Sunday’s game.

What he is most eager for is the test itself. He wants to see exactly how the Wildcats measure up against the league leaders before the FIBA break, where he will be working alongside Vickerman on the Boomers coaching staff.

"I think we've done a good job in these last three games and have had some good practice time to build this, and Sunday will be like a great challenge to really see where we're at, at the moment," Rillie said.

"I'm sure Dean watched those last few minutes how we ended the game so we have to tidy up some things if we really want to get to that championship level consistently.

"They're (Melbourne) playing at a phenomenal level and are the best team in the league, but like most of us they are dealing with injuries and bringing guys in and out, and they had a tough game tonight as well.

"We'll prepare like we do for any other team and we've gotta go in there with a nice edge about ourselves to see where we're really at. It's more about us and where we sit right now against the best team in the competition."

Melbourne and Perth face off on Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN and 10 Drama.