How to watch & talking points: Melbourne v Tasmania (Play-In Qualifier)

Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers
Wednesday, March 5, 7.30pm AEDT
John Cain Arena

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Talking points

Familiar territory
‍The JackJumpers may be down key players, but they have had plenty of success against United at John Cain Arena, including some big moments.

No one will forget the Jack McVeigh half-court shot to help them win their first championship, but two years prior to that it was Josh Adams who hit a clutch three to sink United in the Playoffs.

If the game comes down to the wire, the JackJumpers will feel confident.‍

Running on empty
‍Tasmania has been riddled with more injuries than any other team this season and it got worse in the last game of the regular season.

With Will Magnay, Bryce Hamilton and Ben Ayre already ruled out, backup guard Nick Stoddart suffered a nasty ankle injury and is also set to miss three months.

There is still plenty of talent available on this team, but they’re running out of players on the bench.‍

Building on the Throwdown win
‍Melbourne went into the post-season with a confidence-building performance over South East Melbourne and if United picks up where they left off, they believe they can do something special.

Their three imports all led from the front in that game, and they’ll look to do the same against Tasmania to keep their season alive.

With Chris Goulding always ready for big moments, it doesn’t get much bigger than a do-or-die Final for him to shine once more.

Big man down low
‍With no Magnay, it’s up to Josh Bannan and Majok Deng to try and limit the impact of Jesse Edwards.

When the JackJumpers beat United in the regular season, it was on the back of Magnay getting the better of United’s big man in their individual matchup.

Expect to see Scott Roth try a bunch of different tricks to limit the influence of the big man for Melbourne.

What they're saying

United captain Chris Goulding on the importance of Tyson Walker and Milton Doyle:
“Tys does some things at practice that literally will blow your mind, so giving him that confidence to come out, be aggressive and get on the front foot, so we can play off that.

“[While] Milt is an offensive bucket getter and ready to shine at this time of year.

“We're a group that needs everyone to be playing well and for a lot of the parts of the year, guys haven't been playing well. Some have been playing great and you mix and match that.

“We're hoping that at this part of the year we can all get on a little groove and show the team we can be.”

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth on his team's mentality:
"For us, it's just about putting the right foot forward and it's a free swing.

"No one's expecting anything from us and our guys will play without fear of failure, and we'll just go out and have some fun out there and enjoy ourselves.

"They've earned their way to get to this point and we'll do the best we can with whoever is able to show up."

Missing in action

Melbourne
No injuries listed.

Tasmania
Ben Ayre - Groin - Season
Bryce Hamilton - ACL - Season
Kobe Williamson - Foot - TBC
Nick Stoddart - Ankle - Season
Sean Macdonald - Knee - Season
Will Magnay - Toe - Season

>> View full injury list