A United front: Melbourne pledges Championship revenge

They may sit on top of the table with a commanding 9-1 record, but Melbourne United will be looking for a response on Wednesday night for numerous reasons.

Firstly, they suffered their first loss of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season on Monday to Sydney.

But Wednesday's Ignite Cup fixture marks the club's first clash with Illawarra since losing last season's Championship Series in five games.

“We know the last time we played up there was a championship game and you want to get rid of that memory pretty quickly,” United coach Dean Vickerman said in Monday's post-game press conference.

“So we’re pretty motivated to go up there and play well.”

While the reigning champions are currently languishing in last spot on the ladder, Vickerman explained his team wouldn't be "taking them lightly".

Especially with three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee and Australian Boomer Will Hickey, who returned from injury last round, in their lineup.

“McGee’s a different animal, there’s not anything like him in the league,” Vickerman said during Monday's media availability.

“First time up against him, (it will be interesting to see) how we deal with a mobile seven-footer who’s super long. We’re looking forward to the challenge.

“Having Davo (Hickey) back, I thought he was highly effective the other night, putting his feet in the paint and really controlling the game for them, everybody needs point guards that can execute at both ends of the floor.

“I’m sure he’ll find an even greater rhythm with the guys around him.

“It looked a little bit more like last year when I watched him against Adelaide the other night.”

Wednesday night's fixture tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.