Much of the Breakers' chances will hinge on the health of Webster and Penney (obviously). Throughout the course of the season, I think I will be more than comfortable backing the Breakers at home because their starting 5 when healthy can probably still compete with anyone on their day.

That being said, Melbourne are rocking up fielding a team that features 2 of the Breakers' core players from last season, plus more depth at pretty much every position. My initial lean is that Melbourne will have too much firepower for the Breakers at this stage and will get it done fairly comfortably tomorrow.

Yep- Woodside, Webster, Penney and Abercrombie is an elite group in the PG and wing positions.

My queries with this team are health, and how good is Rob Loe?

If those 4 main guys in the 1-3 spots stay healthy and if Loe is decent enough, they're a chance for the championship.

Many around the league never thought Melbourne was a title chance last season because they didn't have the possession game to win in the playoffs.

They certainly seem to have fixed that this season with Jackson and Williams, while the subtraction of the two Jacksons from NZ seems to weaken them in that area.

As for this game, no idea, both have key pieces coming back in off injury. Hope it's a good one, two quality line-ups.

Seems like a lot of people here have raps on Woodside, but why? I got a good look at him at the ABC and he's not a high-level defender, goes missing in the offence and has no discernible offensive skills. He does look like a good shooter but I really think he's a level below the other important PGS in the league. And he seemed to be mentally checked out a lot during thr tournament. Clearly NZ didn't have two of the centrepieces then but I don't think he will be very good. Isaih Tueta looked better imo.

Most of the bookies have NZ coming 2nd to bottom this season and although they should finish higher than that United should thump them in this one.

This is just the warm up game for the main attraction afterwards hawks vs 36ers!

Woodside has a solid resume behind him. He's been playing big minutes in quality European leagues. He's a pass first point guard. If he can play 30 minutes a night, set up their offense and get good looks for Webster, Penney and Abercrombie then he'll be doing his job.

Yeah I reckon teams will quickly see he's a weak link defensively.

Hopefully his ability to drive an offence gets infinitely better with better wings around him because the whole team looked lost. A distinct lack of ball movement and when it was moving, it was clunky generally speaking. Saying that, he did only play one game from memory.

And I expect Ced will give it to him tomorrow, considering Woodside is his replacement.

Woodside has had a heel injury so I wouldn't put much stock into one performance in a meaningless preseason game.
Webster is still injured but will play and Penney is fine.

Todays paper says Andersen's had abdominal and back complaints and is no certainty to suit up.

Would mean big responsibility lies on the shoulders of Tai Wesley, and we'd get a better look at Devin Williams.

what was the twitter account they were just recommending in the commentary?

NBLFacts

Is this the same Majok is last year? His face seems different

thanks luuuc

Fixed the scoreboard graphics a bit I see.. clock is better.

It's good to see we already have our first live stats freeze, just two games in.

I cringed so hard at those chemists warehouse ads that my dick ALMOST FELL OFF

Its the sh!t ones you remember the most.. looks like a success on their part.

"..It's G-O-G-G-O"

Maybe true Ricky.

Melbourne looking flat when Devin is not on the court.

I think Odigie has an ankle injury from the ABC.

lol thought he had an easy layup.. then raises arms when it was a clear block

dont be bringin that weak stuff next time..

Akil Mitchell bringing some hustle. Breakers with a ton of outside threats all lined up around the arc

Anderson having a dud game.

Melbourne SHOULD have thrown adnam out there, see if he can spark some offence.

"No Barlow or odgie, any reason why?" - Barlow is injured again, he was replaced by Bennie Lewis https://twitter.com/MelbUnitedHQ/status/784277664097972224

Wesley is $$$$$$

NZ will hang on here. This team has a bit of toughness, bit of HUSTLE. They will go alright this year

I thought cameras were NOT allowed in the huddle in the last 2 mins??

Is this Sky Sports producer on crack? Dude needs to follow the game when it's live play at all times.

Sticking to the theme of capitalising words for emphasis... Dude NEEDS to follow the GAME when it's live play at ALL times.

Yeah, they missed the opening tip for a Paul Henare interview.

Rob Loe with some solid D and made some shots.
Mitchell will only improve as the season wears on.
Pledger with some nice touches on the pick and pop.
Vukona played like Vukona and made his free throws.
Woodside with a decent game against Jackson, picked his moments offensively and ran the team well.
Abercrombie and Penney played as advertised while Webster was a little careless with the ball but came alive when it mattered.

Blanchfield was a no show and Jackson was pretty quiet. Goulding and Anderson hit a few open ones but Wesley was the guy who stood out for United

All the hype, reminds me of last season. To much talent to go around. Need role player's.

Watch out Vukona

You have a challenger for hustle King of the Breakers

Likewise Damo for the league

Scouring the box score and it confirms my thoughts from watching the game.

Second chance points- 15-7. That's the game.

Andersen and Wesley did some nice things, but combined for 5 rebounds, while Akil Mitchell ran riot.

This is a reoccurring nightmare for United followers. Will the ghosts of the past return?

DD needs to have Majok or Devin on court at (almost) all times for their physicality, and presence on the boards. If we're going to go small, we need to pick the moment carefully.

Did anyone notice close to the end when the game was still n the line UTD's coach sketched a play in the huddle, from memory Goulding was to take the shot if open but kick it on to I think Anderson if he is not.

Anyway, Goulding got the pill and threw up a horrible shot under pressure and I am pretty sure didn't look up to see what his team mates thought of it; his attitude in this game and his body language, on the whole, sends me worrying signs.

UTD's coach loves him, but I think for Melbourne to win they need to get their mojo in order, too many egos and not enough leadership for me to like what they are doing, yet!

NZ played Abercrombie on Goulding a lot and his athleticism and length kept him pretty quiet all night apart from a couple of wide open looks.

I have always rated Abecrombie, very solid NBL player!

Can't buy chemistry unless we're talking drugs