This was published 7 years ago
NBL: Melbourne United face Sydney Kings without Chris Goulding, new import
By Roy Ward
Melbourne United face a gruelling test against an all-star Sydney Kings side at Hisense Arena on Saturday night.
While the Kings (6-3, second in NBL) will arrive with a full side including NBA imports Josh Powell and Steve Blake, Melbourne United will be without injured stars Chris Goulding and Todd Blanchfield plus remain an import down after releasing point guard Cedric Jackson on Wednesday.
Ready to return? Melbourne United's David Barlow.Credit: Getty Images
It's understood Melbourne won't risk Goulding as his recovery from an ankle injury goes into another week while Blanchfield is out for at least three weeks with a groin injury.
Melbourne had yet to announce Jackson's replacement as of Friday afternoon, leaving them little time to sign and clear a player before the Kings game.
One ray of hope could be from two-time Olympian David Barlow, who is in line to make his return from injury after missing all last season with an achilles injury and the first five rounds with a calf problem.
Melbourne United will look to import guard Ramone Moore, power forward David Andersen and reserve point guards Nate Tomlinson and Kyle Adnam to all step up their production offensively.
Defensively the likes of Owen Odigie and Majok Majok will have major jobs to control Kings' stars Brad Newley and Aleks Maric.
Andersen said his side must stand up as they attempt to end a four-game losing streak.
"A lot of people ask what has gone wrong for us, I'd ask what has gone right for us," Andersen said.
"It's been a tough spot but we are trying to stay positive and build some chemistry as doing that in tough times can make you stronger for the long haul.
"It's hard covering up for some of our star players who are injured, it makes it extra hard with the pressure to get wins but it's something you deal with as a pro and I have no problem with doing it."
Melbourne United face Sydney Kings at Hisense Arena on Saturday at 7.30pm.