How to watch Perth v Melbourne: CODE Sports NBL Blitz

It's Perth v Melbourne in the first game at the CODE Sports NBL Blitz in Canberra.

These two teams faced off in the Playoffs last year, with United saluting by one point in an incredible Game 3 decider.

How will they fare in the Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season?

Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United
Wednesday, August 27, 5.30pm AEST
AIS Arena, Canberra

How to watch‍

‍Watch every game live on Disney+ and Kayo.

How to follow

‍Live scores, stats and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.

Download it now for your chance to win an iPhone 16.

Get tickets‍

Tickets are available via Ticketek.

NBL26 depth charts

Perth
Potential depth chart:
PG: / Pepper / Russo-Nance
SG: Henshall / Dech / Rillie (DP)
SF: Windler (IP) / Mayen / Huefner (DP)
PF: Doolittle (IP) / Kouakou-Heugue (NS) / Wagstaff / Gerovich (DP)
C: Lual-Acuil Jr. / Okwera

Melbourne
Potential depth chart:
PG: Walker (IP) / Ili / Wilson
SG: Doyle (IP) / Daniels (NS) / Blogg (DP)
SF: Goulding / Krebs / Machar
PF: Delany / Bowen / Koppens (DP)
C: Edwards (IP) / Krslovic / Tata (NRP)

Missing in action

The Perth Wildcats will be missing Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (national duties) and Sunday Dech (calf). Lual-Acuil Jr will return for the Wildcats' second game.

Melbourne United will go into the game without Chris Goulding (ankle), but expect him to return for game two.

Talking points

‍Post-Bryce era begins
‍It’s a whole new era for the Red Army to get used to when the Blitz begins, as there will be no five-time MVP suiting up.

It’s the first real chance for the club to embrace this new chapter and the exciting roster that’s been put together, that includes returning stars Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler.

New look Melbourne
‍It’s been an off-season of change for last season’s runners-up, with Milton Doyle coming across from Tasmania and electric point guard Tyson Walker joining.

Walker made his impact quickly in the pre-season game against the Phoenix, hitting seven threes and showcasing a new scoring mindset in the point guard position.

Doyle impressed in the earlier game against Cairns and it looks like a change of scenery may see him back to his All-NBL form.

Pepper too hot to handle?
Wildcats young gun Elijah Pepper had an NBL1 season to remember, averaging more than 36 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

He put up an impressive 7 points a game in his first campaign, but will be hoping for even more action come the new season and a chance to show his wares.