Drinkwise Preview: Nbl26 – Round 13, Game 2 v Tasmania Jackjumpers

Preview: NBL26 – Round 13, Game 2 v Tasmania JackJumpers

The National Basketball League (NBL) is set for another thrilling matchup as Melbourne United takes on the Tasmania JackJumpers in a game that will be held under the night sky at John Cain Arena. Scheduled for Tuesday at 8pm AEDT, this match promises to be an intense contest between two teams with distinct strengths and challenges.

The Battle for Momentum

Melbourne United is coming off a dominant victory over the Illawarra Hawks, where they demonstrated their dominance in home games. This win sets up an opportunity for them to secure back-to-back victories, which could significantly boost their momentum heading into the crucial final stages of the season. The team will be eager to capitalize on their recent success and continue their strong performance.

Tyson Walker, who delivered a first NBL double-double in his previous game, shared insights on what he plans to focus on for this upcoming match. “I’m just trying to do all the right things,” Walker said. “Creating for everybody else, getting two feet in the paint, hunting good shots, and getting to the free throw line… staying aggressive.” This approach reflects Melbourne United’s strategy of balancing individual prowess with team cohesion.

A Challenging Opponent

The Tasmania JackJumpers, despite their loss on Sunday at home against Perth, are still in contention for a final spot in the Play-In. With an 8-11 record, they remain competitive and will be looking to upset Melbourne United. JackJumpers Head Coach Scott Roth acknowledged the intensity of the upcoming game: “They’re obviously 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.”

One of the key matchups will involve the formidable Finn Delany, who has been scoring consistently over recent games.

Delany, leading the team with his consistent scoring and hard-nosed defense, will face off against Tasmania’s star player Josh Bannan. Bannan is currently playing some of the best basketball of his NBL career, averaging a career-high in points, rebounds, and assists. However, he had an equal-lowest scoring performance in their last encounter with Melbourne United, which will be crucial for both teams.

Game Details

The game is scheduled to take place at John Cain Arena on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, starting at 8pm AEDT. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets through Ticketek, and those who wish to support their team can also grab the latest merchandise from the official store.

Melbourne United’s focus remains sharp as they prepare for this critical match against Tasmania JackJumpers. With Tyson Walker setting a strong tone and Finn Delany leading in scoring, Melbourne United looks well-prepared to continue their winning streak while facing off against a formidable opponent.