Delly blow dampens Kings' win

Delly blow dampens Kings' win

12 Jan 2026

Sydney’s depth is under pressure as Matthew Dellavedova’s head knock adds to an already heavy injury toll.

The Sydney Kings face a nervous wait for the full assessment of Matthew Dellavedova's latest head knock as an injury crisis threatens their NBL title ambitions.

Brian Goorjian's men posted an emotion-charged 97-94 win over Melbourne United on Sunday, leapfrogging their opponents into third spot on the ladder.

But it came at a cost, with Dellavedova sidelined after a clash with United guard Dash Daniels in the second quarter.

Dellavedova, who had 11 points to that stage, took accidental contact to the head from Daniels' hip while being guarded. The impact caused Dellavedova to fall and hit his head on the floor.

He was helped off the court and into the change room, and did not return for the rest of the game.

Kings coach Brian Goorjian said post-game that Dellavedova was still receiving medical attention.

"There's no report on that," Goorjian said when questioned by reporters.

"Door closed, they're dealing with that.

"We'll see, but at this point he's going through assessment right now."

Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman, who coached Dellavedova in his two stints with the club, sent his former charge his best wishes.

"I hope Delly is OK," Vickerman said after the loss at Qudos Bank Arena.

"He doesn't need another concussion or whatever it is, but hopefully he's good."

Sydney (15-9) shape as legitimate title contenders, but are dealing with a growing injury list.

Xavier Cooks is sidelined indefinitely with an ankle injury sustained last Monday, while fellow starter Bul Kuol (knee) will miss the rest of the season.

Jason Spurgin (foot) and Keli Leaupepe (knee) are also out long-term.

Goorjian was cagey about possible roster moves six weeks out from the playoffs.

"Right now we've lost two more and we're just watching and weighing this up," he said.

"We've got some momentum, we've got some good things going, and all I'm saying is there's a lot going on in the background."