Tasmania JackJumpers vs Melbourne United Verdict
Melbourne United can put on a defensive show and cover a 4.5-point line on the road in Tasmania. David Johnson and Cole Anthony are the props to follow with 3+ three-pointers predicted for both.
- Melbourne held South East Melbourne to 61 points, including just four in the final quarter.
- Tasmania have started NBL27 1-1, scoring 96 against SEM and 87 against Cairns.
- David Johnson has made seven three-pointers from 13 attempts through two games.
- Cole Anthony attempted seven threes in Melbourne's win over SEM.
Head to Head
Melbourne have had the better of this matchup recently, but Tasmania's home court has traditionally made meetings in Hobart considerably more competitive.
Tasmania JackJumpers Form
Tasmania opened their season with a 96-91 win over South East Melbourne before going north and falling 93-87 to Cairns. They've therefore scored 183 points and conceded 184 through their opening two games.
Taran Armstrong has immediately taken on a major playmaking role, while David Johnson has provided some serious perimeter shooting.
Johnson has made 3 and 4 threes in his two appearances, shooting 7/13 from outside while also averaging 19 points per game.
Will Magnay and Nick Marshall continue to provide Tasmania with size and rebounding, while Dakota Mathias gives them another genuine perimeter threat.
The JackJumpers have had enough offensive contributors to reach at least 87 points in both games, although the defensive end hasn't been quite as convincing.
Melbourne United Form
Melbourne are also 1-1, although they've been separated from a perfect start by only two points.
They lost their opener 97-95 to Adelaide before producing a completely different type of performance in an 86-61 win over South East Melbourne.
Josh Oduro was excellent against the Phoenix with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Cole Anthony finished with 18 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Luke Travers added nine points and 10 boards as Melbourne dominated the glass and held SEM to 26.4 per cent shooting.