How to watch & talking points: Adelaide v Melbourne

12 Dec 2025

adelaide 36ers

melbourne united

Adelaide will host Melbourne in an exciting top of the table clash on Friday night.

Adelaide 36ers v Melbourne United
Friday, December 12, 7.30pm AEDT
Adelaide Entertainment Centre

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Talking points

Top of the table clash
It doesn't get much bigger than first versus second, especially when top spot is on the line.

The last time these two met, a blockbuster ensued with a late triple by Tyson Walker securing United a one-point win at John Cain Arena.

Expect exactly the same when the competition's two top teams, through the opening 11 rounds, hit the hardwood in Adelaide.

United response
After opening the season 9-0, United have gone 4-4 since, including losing both of their Round 11 games to Perth and South East Melbourne.

And while they welcome back two-time champion Shea Ili to the lineup, Dean Vickerman's side will be without star point guard Walker (concussion) for Friday's fixture.

Knowing United, who thrive when their backs are against the wall, they will no doubt be locked in and ready to return to the winners' circle come tip-off time at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

What they're saying

36ers big man Isaac Humphries on the top-of-the-table clash:
“It’ll be just like that last top-of-the-table clash, it felt like a playoff game, it felt like a Grand Final if I’m being honest.

“We’ll go into it knowing what we need to do, go into it like any other game … I’m sure we’ll head into the week and do what we do to prepare.”

United coach Dean Vickerman on falling behind Adelaide on the ladder:
“We’ve tried not to worry about ladder position all year. Going in as an underdog it won’t be something we speak about as a group.

“Right now we’re just trying to find these improvement areas and we believe if we get our process right, results will take care of themselves.”