How to watch & talking points: Melbourne v Tasmania

23 Dec 2025

melbourne united

tasmania jackjumpers

Melbourne United host the Tasmania JackJumpers in their annual Open Air Game at John Cain Arena.

Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers
Tuesday, December 23, 8pm AEDT
John Cain Arena

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Talking points

The mental edge
Since Tasmania entered the competition, they have had a mental edge over Melbourne United and that's stemmed from winning an initial Playoff Series and then a championship.

There is something about this matchup that brings the best out of the JackJumpers and they'll be hoping to continue that form as they look to bounce back from a tough loss at home.

The open air game adds yet another element to this for both teams, but it is somewhat familiar territory for the JackJumpers, who have played in one previously.

Big man battle
Jesse Edwards and Will Magnay might not be the two best centres in the league statistically, but that doesn't diminish their impact.

Both big men are incredibly important to the success of their teams and they'll lock horns in this one yet again.

One one end you have two guys who like to meet everyone at the rim with some incredible defensive plays, but then also finish above the rim offensively.

What they're saying

United coach Dean Vickerman on how his team are going to cover for the injured Shea Ili:
"The defensive side of it, we’re going to ask a lot of different people.

“Dash had the job on (Tyler) Harvey today and he’s going to continue to get jobs. We hadn’t played Malith Machar much and he got quality minutes today … Tom Koppens has had some quality minutes into him.

“There’s a few guys that are ready to go. Tom Wilson was really good for us at the start of the season, we’ve just got to make sure that he’s in at the right time of the game, he’s in with the right people, there’s good matchups.

“He’s itching for more minutes and I think what we see on the practice floor, he’s going to get after it. If he can guard Tyson in practice, then he can guard guys in this league.”

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth on playing away at Melbourne United:
"On the road I always tell these guys that that the only thing that you can bring with you is your defence and that's the only thing that will travel with you, and that has to be something that you're mentally tough enough to get through when the ball might not be going through for you.

“They’re obviously very very good and they’re in their home building for another week or so before they go on their long road trip for the Australian Open, it should be a good game.”