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MAKE no mistake, Jo Lual-Acuil is a very important player for Melbourne but the NBL leader's recent slump has a lot more to do with the absence of Shea Ili and concussion protocols. Yes, Matthew Dellavedova works hard defensively but Ili is United's defensive barometer and also the architect behind keeping their offence flowing. 

The return of both Lual-Acuil and Ili could not be better timed for Melbourne when tomorrow it faces the Bullets in Brisbane, the locals suiting up past United championship players Casey Prather and Sam McDaniel.

This has potential as the match of the round, Brisbane unlikely to melt in the spotlight as it did when previously facing United.

But first, the NBL's other Victorian team, South East Melbourne opens proceedings against a Sydney Kings outfit in need of wins.

The way Jaylen Adams performed against Perth and the manner in which Jordie Hunter has prowled the keyway - a glaring Phoenix weakness without injured Alan Williams - suggests this is the Kings by how much?

That's where South East now must surely recognise its deficiencies but instead of surrendering to them, give its supporters heart by showing some fight. They've shown they can do that in the past, just not lately.

Otherwise it will not only lose again here but also to Perth, and most probably quite badly.

The Wildcats start the round hosting Illawarra and as always, it will difficult for the Hawks to find full flight in Perth. If they choose to run with the home team, they will risk being run out of the building.

New Zealand-Tasmania, the battle of the islanders, has so much riding on it. The Breakers just need to stockpile a few wins, the JackJumpers need to try consolidating a top four finish and homecourt for the play-in.

Anthony Lamb-Milton Doyle, Parker Jackson-Cartwright V Jordon Crawford, there's much to like but it is in the centre spot - with the three-headed Marcus Lee-Will Magnay-Fabijan Krslovic monster (who knew you could get THREE heads in Tasmania?) - that the Jackies own the advantage.

Adelaide lost in overtime in Cairns when it froze under pressure, reverting to the type of ball which saw CJ Bruton sacked as coach. It has been figuratively rubbing its hands since in anticipation of this return bout.

It's a big Sunday in NSW, Illawarra hosting New Zealand in a result critical to both, Sydney against Melbourne. Can the Kings muster an upset? They were better against Perth and United has been shakey on the road. Let's not rule it out definitively!  

ROUND 17 TIPS
South East Melbourne is struggling to be competitive. It won't beat Sydney.
Illawarra's record in Perth is ordinary at best. That won't change tonight.
NZ-Tas is becoming a fixture highlight. Both need the win. Breakers this time.
At full potency, United should have sufficient weapons to gun down Bullets.
Adelaide blew it in Cairns in overtime but will get it done in regulation.
Life will be no easier for South East when Perth rolls in and over Phoenix.
Tipping this loss will end one team's aspirations. Breakers to pluck Hawks.
Sydney-Melbourne earlier was viewed as a GF preview. Now a Kings' upset.

NBL RANKINGS – WEEK 16
This          Last
Week       Week   Club
  1               2       Perth (15-7) Looking the goods and should add two more scalps.
  2               6       Tasmania (12-11) Crushed United but NZ is equally desperate.
  3               1       Melbourne (16-6) Road has been an Achilles Heel. Need a 2-0 round.
  4               3       Brisbane (12-12) Big shot of credibility if it can level Melbourne.
  5               4       Sydney (11-12) Back in the red with a split round most likely.
  6               9       Adelaide (9-14) Can take Scotty's record to 6-5 with a home win.
  7               8       New Zealand (9-12) Still need to pile more numbers into W column.
  8               7       Cairns (11-13) If only form could match Fordey's press conferences.
  9               5       Illawarra (9-12) Still in hunt but back in pack and starting to lack.
10              10      South East (9-14) Losses are one thing but time to show some spine.