Fitness cloud hangs over United

Melbourne managed to overcome the late withdrawal of its dominant big man just an hour before Thursday night’s do-or-die Final, but an even bigger challenge awaits on Saturday against the Perth Wildcats and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

Jesse Edwards experienced “sharp pains” in his back and was forced to withdraw from United’s squad for the Play-In Qualifier, leaving Dean Vickerman facing an anxious wait ahead of the trip to Perth.

“When he (Edwards) arrived here and he moved around a little bit, he just had some sharp pains that didn't really allow him to stand up straight,” Vickerman said following the win against Tasmania.

“The hope is that we get him on the flight tomorrow and he can be with our physio and we can get over there and treat him as best we can.

“Again, if he's not physically capable of getting on the plane, we'll try and find a flight that can suit him, whether that be on game day or not.

“But the hope is that he sleeps well, he gets the right kind of medication tonight and that we were able to get him on the flight.”

A dominant performance from Finn Delany helped United get over the line against an injury-hit JackJumpers team, but Edwards’ importance can’t be overstated against one of the League’s marquee men, Lual-Acuil Jr.

The Dutch big man has averaged 15.3 points and 14 rebounds in three games against the Wildcats this season, while Lual-Acuil Jr. has posted 20.3 points and 6 rebounds in those matchups.

United have won two of those three fixtures.

Meanwhile, Chris Goulding is battling a knee concern, while Shea Ili played just eight minutes in his return from a hamstring injury.

“He (Goulding) got through. We managed him for a few days and it's just when it builds up with some fluid that it gets a little tougher for him to move the way he wants to move,” Vickerman said.

“Hopefully we can improve that by the time we play on Saturday.”

United takes on Perth on Saturday night at 8pm AEDT at RAC Arena, live on ESPN.

The winner from that clash will take on Sydney in a three-game Playoffs Series.