1. It will be pivotal in deciding who finished the regular season on top
Melbourne United have 10 games left to play in the regular season while Perth Wildcats have 11.
It would take a shocking loss of form for either of them to drop out of the four, so these two have their sights firmly set on the number one spot.
Melbourne have a 21-5 record while Perth are three and a half games back on 18-7.
If Perth is any hope of reeling in the intimidating Melbourne United then they will almost certainly have to win tonight.
If the Wildcats were to win tonight, but not go on to overtake them on the ladder, then it could still provide a crucial psychological blow for the two teams most likely to play off in the NBL Grand Final series.
2. Melbourne are aiming to set a new record for consecutive wins
Melbourne United have won their last 11 games in a row. It’s a franchise record.
A 12th win tonight would extend that record and send a message to the rest of the league: no one can stop us!
The all-time NBL record for consecutive wins is 21, set by the Brisbane Bullets in 2007.
That run of victories was eventually ended in Game 2 of the Grand Final series, by Melbourne Tigers.
Perth will be keen to end Melbourne’s run. Especially as they have to play them twice more before the end of the season.
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3. Chris Goulding is on fire from three-point land
Goulding leads the league in three points made per match, averaging 3.4 a game.
The 32-year-old scored nine three-pointers in his last two matches and is Melbourne’s leading scorer with 16.2 points per game.
It’s good news for Australia going into the Tokyo Olympics, as Goulding has been selected in the squad to go to Japan and could play a crucial role in Australia’s campaign for a medal.
4. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr v John Mooney
Tonight will see the battle of the big men Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. up against John Mooney.
Mooney has been a revelation for the Wildcats this season. The American centre has been dominant, averaging 17.3 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists per game, while shooting 55% from the field.
He loves to fight for rebounds, is a talented offensive weapon and his combination with Bryce Cotton has been formidable for the Wildcats.
Meanwhile, Lual-Aculi has been turning heads as he has seamlessly filled in for the injured Jock Landale.
Lual-Acuil Jr. has had two of the best games of his career in his last two outings, stepping up big time with Landale on the sidelines.
He started Round 16 with a career-high 23 points, to go along with 9 rebounds and 2 blocks against the Breakers and then backed that up on Sunday with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists and 1 steal in the big win over the Kings.
5. Bryce Cotton going for a third NBL MVP
Bryce Cotton is an incredible performer. Leading the league in points per game (24.1) and fourth in the league for assists per game (5.7).
Cotton is the favourite to win the NBL’s most valuable player trophy. If he was to do so he would become the third person ever to win three NBL MVPs.
Only Andrew Gaze - who won an incredible seven - and Leroy Loggins have done so in the past.
An impressive performance that brings an end to Melbourne’s winning streak would almost certainly seal it for the 28-year-old American.
