Worthington: 'Tassie need this more'

Tuesday night will be the latest chapter in the fierce rivalry between Melbourne United and the Tasmania JackJumpers.

The teams have met on 22 occasions to date, with the JackJumpers winning 13 of them, including edging United 3-2 in the NBL24 Championship Series.

Although United won the first meeting at MyState Bank Arena in Round 1 and currently sit higher on the ladder, 2009 NBL champion Mark Worthington believes the Open Air Game at John Cain Arena "means more" to the desperate JackJumpers.

"Tassie need this win more, as much as United would like to reverse their current form," Worthington said via Tuesday's episode of NBL Now.

"Tasmania would love another win under their belts, to increase that buffer [between them and the seventh-placed Breakers].

"I honestly think the six is set how it is now and Tasmania have a great opportunity to cement that tonight."

For Tasmania to achieve that and secure their ninth win of the campaign, two-time Olympian Worthington called for a monster performance from big man Will Magnay.

"When Will Magnay plays well, the JackJumpers play well," Worthington said.

"The big man matchup will decide the game for me. [Jesse] Edwards and Fabijan Krslovic have always been solid for Melbourne United and regardless if they play well, United can still win, as they're just part of the cog, [which isn't the same with Magnay and the JackJumpers].

"It's also great to see two big guys [Magnay and Edwards] who are more defensive minded than offensive minded matchup, as they both could have an impact on the basketball game."

Tuesday's Open Air Game, in which United have an 8-3 record in, tips off at 8pm AEDT, live on ESPN.