How to watch & talking points: Melbourne v Sydney

Monday, November 3, 2025

sydney kings

melbourne united

Two NBL giants will clash on Monday when Melbourne United host the Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena.

Melbourne United v Sydney Kings
Monday, November 3, 7.30pm AEDT
John Cain Arena

How to watch‍

‍Watch every Sunday game live on ESPN and Channel 10.

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Talking points

Cooks is back
‍Xavier Cooks responded to critics in the best way possible against Brisbane, as the Kings' star forward led from the front in a dominant display on both ends.

It was reminiscent of his MVP season with the way he ripped down every rebound and put pressure on the rim, finding ways to impact the game at every level.

When Cooks is playing at that level, it makes this Sydney team look like the genuine contenders fans expected them to be this season.‍

'Go hard or go to Sydney'
A few seasons ago, there were signs that hung around John Cain Arena that read 'go hard or go to Sydney,' a small touch on a fierce rivalry between two of the biggest clubs in the NBL.

With United currently sitting top of the table, yet to taste defeat, the Sydney Kings would love nothing more than to be the first to inflict that pain.

With Matthew Dellavedova returning to play in front of his former fans for the first time, this matchup has all the makings of an instant classic.

What they're saying

United coach Dean Vickerman on playing against Dellavedova for the first time back in Melbourne:
"We don’t want to put anything extra on that (matchup) because we respect them as player and what they did for us.

“There’s no extra motivation to beat them, we just want to make sure Melbourne United beats the Sydney Kings.”

Kings coach Brian Goorjian on playing against the undefeated Melbourne United:
"The team we're playing, I think everybody knows it's one of the great teams assembled in NBL history for sure, so it's exciting to get to play, that's what you're in the game for.

"It's like when you're with the Boomers and you play Team USA. I'm not saying they are Team USA, but it's that kind of deal and it's great to play against greatness."