The Brisbane Bullets return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre this Friday night determined to carry their momentum from Perth into one of their toughest challenges of the season — a showdown with the unbeaten Melbourne United.
The Bullets’ 17-point victory over the Wildcats earlier this week reminded fans of their potential when their offence clicks, and now they face the benchmark team of the NBL with a chance to make a statement at home.
Head coach Stu Lash said his players are embracing the schedule rather than complaining about it. “We embrace the challenge, there’s no complaints,” Lash said in the lead-up to the game. “If you’re a competitor, coming off a great win on the road and you get the top team in your home building… we’ll be ready to go.”
Facing the Benchmark
Melbourne United arrive in Brisbane undefeated through four games and chasing a sixth consecutive win. Under coach Dean Vickerman, United have found the right balance of defence and tempo, consistently wearing down opponents with depth and discipline. Their record against Brisbane is formidable — eight straight victories on Bullets’ home courts — but this season’s Brisbane outfit has shown flashes that suggest they could break the pattern.
United guard Tyson Walker said the team was fully aware of Brisbane’s talent and that finding ways to limit their offensive rhythm would be key. Brisbane’s front-court pairing of Tyrell Harrison and Casey Prather have averaged more than 40 points per game combined, while their ability to draw contact and attack the rim has made them hard to contain. Melbourne’s interior defence, led by Jesse Edwards and Finn Delany, will again be tested against one of the league’s most physical duos.
Keys to the Match
The Bullets’ own scouting report highlights that they have traditionally fared better when spreading the scoring load beyond one or two players. In their last win against Melbourne, Brisbane shot 59 per cent from two-point range and outscored United 50-38 in the paint — a model they’ll look to replicate. When their attack has been too reliant on one player, results have tended to slip. The coaching staff have emphasised the importance of sharing the ball and keeping the tempo high to counter Melbourne’s structured half-court defence.
Historically, Brisbane have averaged 93.7 points at 48 per cent from the field against Melbourne, compared with the league’s average of 81 points on 42 per cent shooting. United, however, have capitalised on their efficiency from long range, averaging 43 points from three-point territory against Brisbane at a 40 per cent clip. The battle beyond the arc could be decisive: when Brisbane control the boards and contest perimeter shots, they stay competitive deep into games.
Tactical and Mental Edge
For Lash’s side, the key is composure and defensive effort. Melbourne are masters at punishing turnovers and have outscored Brisbane 71–30 from transition opportunities in recent meetings. Brisbane’s ability to limit errors will determine whether they can turn the match into a physical grind rather than a shoot-out.
Lash said maintaining focus and effort will be critical if the Bullets are to match it with the ladder leaders. “Our mentality needs to be good regardless of the situation, coming in with the right mind to play the right way,” he said. He added that maintaining the right preparation and execution would be vital against such an experienced opponent.
A Chance to Make a Statement
For Brisbane fans, Friday night’s clash represents more than just another round fixture — it’s a chance to see if the team’s renewed confidence can translate into consistency. A win against the league leaders would not only boost morale but also signal that the Bullets are ready to challenge for a finals spot.
Even analysts from Scores24 noted that while Melbourne enter as favourites based on their statistical dominance and historical margins, Brisbane’s recent resurgence makes them a genuine threat to upset the odds at home.
If the Bullets can match Melbourne’s intensity from tip-off and sustain the defensive pressure that floored the Wildcats, Brisbane supporters could be in for a thrilling contest — and possibly, the moment this team turns potential into performance.
Tip-off is at 6:30pm AEST, with coverage live on ESPN and streaming via Kayo Sports.
Published 16-October-2025
