How to watch & talking points: Melbourne v Brisbane

Saturday, November 15, 2025

melbourne united

brisbane bullets

A defensive star will make his long-awaited return for United, as they host a tough Brisbane Bullets side at John Cain Arena.

Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets
Saturday, November 15, 5.30pm AEDT
John Cain Arena

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Talking points

Defensive dynamo returns
Over the past few seasons, Shea Ili has established himself as one of Melbourne United's core pieces, by the way he can set the tone defensively.

Despite playing without the New Zealand Tall Blacks international since the historic NBA x NBL Melbourne Series against New Orleans due to a hamstring injury, United has hasn't missed a beat, going 7-2 during that span.

Now Ili has been cleared to make his return on Saturday, which will boost the league's already most dangerous defensive outfit (first in defensive rating at 13.2).

Next man up
It's been a tough week for the Bullets.

During Wednesday heavy defeat to New Zealand, the Bullets lost inspiration leader Casey Prather to a season-ending knee injury. Two days later, the club parted ways with former MVP Jaylen Adams.

Now the undermanned Bullets take on the competition front-runners on their home court.

But these changes, which include bringing in Lamar Patterson and Lachlan Anderson, create extra opportunity and responsibility for the likes of Tyrell Harrison, Dakota Mathias, Mitch Norton and Taine Murray.

What they're saying

Three-time NBL Coach of the Year Joey Wright on United star Tyson Walker:
“We’ve got to say something about Tyson Walker. I seriously think he's the best point guard that's been in this country since I've been here as a coach.

“I'm willing to debate that with anybody and I could debate any angle... his ability to score, play defence, understand timing, get his teammates involved, like he hits everything and I haven't seen a guard here hits everything.

“To me, that kid's an NBA player and I don't know why he's not there. Man, he's the best guard I've seen down here.”

Bullets coach Stu Lash on tackling adversity:
"The one thing this group has proven time and time again this year is when our backs are up against the wall, we find a way.

“We’ve faced adversity this year and we’ve been able to respond and this will only continue to pull our group together.”