How to watch & talking points: Melbourne v Sydney

14 Dec 2025

melbourne united

sydney kings

Melbourne United, on a three-game losing streak, host a galvanised Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena on Sunday.

Melbourne United v Sydney Kings
Sunday, December 14, 2.30pm AEDT
John Cain Arena

How to watch‍

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Tickets

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Talking points

United's losing streak
After starting the season 9-0, Melbourne has gone 4-5 in its last nine games, including losing the past three on the trot.

While still sitting in second on the ladder, the Phoenix are now just two wins behind them on the ladder.

In front of their home crowd and up against one of their biggest rivals, United will be desperate to return to the winners' circle.

Davis' hot shooting
Sydney superstar Kendric Davis exploded for a season-high 38 points during Friday's win in Perth.

The electric point guard is the heartbeat of the Kings' offence, so he will be looking to continue his hot shooting on Sunday.

Davis likes playing at John Cain Arena against United too, tallying 34 points in his last visit, which also handed Melbourne their first loss of NBL26.

What they're saying

United coach Dean Vickerman on the positives he took from Friday's loss to Adelaide:
"I loved the way we played basketball in the fourth quarter.

"To hold them to 14 points, where the majority were free-throws, [was impressive]."

"[Another positive] was our commitment to get second shots. The way that we crashed offensive boards, the way that we dove on the floor and the just the general winning plays we made with effort was so much better than the last two games."

"We [have] slipped a little bit and still a lot of things to work on, but the general intent to play the right way was much improved."

Kings coach Brian Goorjian on playing Melbourne United, who are on a three-game losing streak:
“We’re going to get a desperate team (in Melbourne), but I keep saying, so are we.

“Every game is now a dogfight for us and we’re playing for our life. We’re trying to make the playoffs.