surely brisbane win by 80

Massive game

From the perspective of United, I really want SEM to win. A semi final series with them is the biggest threat to United's title chances, as they could feasibly shoot the lights out twice in 3 games. Lots of weapons- Sykes, Gliddon, Adnam and Brokehoff can all either shoot the ball really well, or are just good scorers, or both. Then Creek does a bit of everything and Wetzell has a decent low post game.

From the perspective of a basketball fan, if United do in fact win their semi, a United vs SEM GF is a better proposition than United vs Perth. Based on recent results and the absence of Cotton, a United vs Perth GF wouldn't be great basketball. United has won 5 of the last 7 vs Perth including the last 3 in Perth, and several of those were comfortable wins. A healthy United would likely sweep, at worst 3-1, and Perth's best chance would be playing super scrappy basketball and hoping United throws it away. Not great to watch. Whereas SEM and United have had some cracking games this season, and SEM have proven they have the firepower to challenge United's defense.

"A semi final series with them is the biggest threat to United's title chances"

And injuries of course. That's the other big threat for United, as per any sporting team anywhere

" if United do in fact win their semi, a United vs SEM GF is a better proposition than United vs Perth."

And Illawarra who United have owned this season.

If United's in the GF, we should all want them playing SEM- it would be better to watch and more chance of going to 5.

Melbourne versing Illawarra would be just as exciting. I've been to all five Throwdown games this season. There’s been 3 out of 5 which weren’t as exciting as it should of been. United has only owned Phoenix when Phoenix are vulnerable etc. injuries.

Phoenix are always up and down. You don’t know which Phoenix team will show up?

I have noticed Cam Gliddon injured. Phoenix have not been great without Gliddon. But if they do get the job done tonight they should beat no Cotton Perth team in the semi-finals. Would not be surprised if Brisbane win but it would suck for all Melbourne teams if they do finish in 4th place. No crowds for one series would be bad but who knows. Grand Final could be the same?

The interesting thing about United vs Illawarra is Vickerman mentioned the Gong as a possible semi final venue.

I wonder if UTD is waiting on tonight, and will play home semis vs SEM in Wollongong but at Qudos if they're playing Hawks

Bullets by 81.

Anyone knows if mechado assist king nbl 2021..he has more assist than giddey..

Any word on preliminary semi-final dates or do we wait after tonight's game ends?

If there are Playoff games at Qudos will we be able to attend do you think?

Perth hosts game one on Thursday.

The MVP chants go up for Sobey as he passes Cotton for leading total points scored for the season.

Brisbane getting all the calls

Hodgson just knocked Sobey over and they find a foul on Broekhoff

That said, Creeks tech was unforgivable

SEM need Gliddon back. Without him I don't think they'll win either semi

Matchup wise I think SEM might struggle with Mooney and Magnays size and rebounding. Brisbane is killing them on O glass and Perth could do likewise

Tanking for United?

Perhaps SEM would rather play United in neutral territory than Perth in Perth. They played well against United this season.

United stylistically is more like SEM and less like Brisbane or Perth, so it'll be a like for like matchup

Great, Wildcats draw a harder team in the SF now.

All three United/Phoenix games in Sydney starting Friday night.

Well, this brought the exciting series forward

If SEM can shoot the ball well, they'll cause problems for anyone including United

Hawks and Cotton less Perth hold zero fear for mine. A healthy United should sweep either of them. Maybe 3-1 if Harvey and Jessup go nuts or United drops the ball and coughs up a few turnovers against the pressure of Norton and Perth. But a healthy United wins either series comfortably, they won't even need to be anywhere near their best to win either

But SEM will push us- if they get their confidence up and get on a roll. Quite possible.

And I assume Being in NSW gives Gliddon a better chance of getting an exemption than say, WA would've. They do need him to challenge United.

I wanted to see United/Phoenix in the GF because SEM are the only genuine threat to United this season. I also didn't want to see Perth or Hawks in the GF because neither of them could compete with United.

Hopefully SEM do us all a favour and knock the 'chosen ones' out in the SF.

Phoenix winning their semi is the only chance any of the playoffs are interesting, but even then that semi will be played in a lockout so who gives a shit?

I'm just done with this season. Every result is the least dramatic one possible, it's June and there's other shit on...just give United the trophy and piss off.

KR you are correct

SEM have genuine fire-power.

They've proven this season they're capable of rolling with us.

And best of 3 leaves minimal margin for error.

No fans, as I said.

But I agree, on tonight's effort SEM will get swept without a doubt.

But playing United means SEM has an extra day rest. Travelling to Perth tomorrow would've been a nightmare for SEM. They mightve been cooked.

I expect a cracking game on Friday. Shame its in Sydney.

[Which players were missing from each game they played due to injury?]

Lots

In most of the 5 matchups one of Sykes, Creek and Gliddon were missing or barely playing (Eg Sykes missed one and played 9 minutes in another)
Plus of course Broekhoff missed the first couple. Gibson also.

United had some outs too but overall SEM has been missing more compared to the teams that will front up Friday.

I assume Gliddon plays since the border not closed anymore.

Um that's what happens when you finish second in a four team finals format...