United still stands: NBL Rankings
TweetUNITED not only stands tall on the NBL ladder but also in our weekly rankings, though Melbourne runs into desperate teams this round, and in their backyards.
Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers host the reigning champs and both have points to make or prove.
For the Kings, if they covet a top-two finish and resultant semi final homecourt benefits, this becomes a key challenge.
They turned back the Bullets twice last round and looked better as they did it, but Melbourne has been a nemesis for Andrew Gaze and Co.
Do they shed the Melbourne monkey or does it become King Kong? (The one from Skull Island, that really big sucker.)
Adelaide has to first handle the Breakers in New Zealand before hosting a United outfit which smacked the 36ers at Titanium Security Arena 114-91 a couple of weeks back.
To retain their ranking, and their ladder standing, the Sixers simply must prevail.
The league's major under-achievers - New Zealand - are at the end of the road. Lose at all this round and #7 ranking will be a permanent reminder of talent not equalling performance.
NBL RANKINGS This Wk-Prev (Record)
8 (8) TAIPANS 4-21: Can the Orange regain their edge over Brisbane or has the bubble burst?
7 (4) BREAKERS 10-14: Now officially the "Heart Breakers" for fans, yet they still "live" on.
6 (7) HAWKS 12-13: Brisbane away, NZ at home are two "must" wins to continue the dream.
5 (5) BULLETS 12-13: Four straight losses and now Illawarra, which remains in the hunt, next.
4 (6) 36ERS 13-12: Regain Ramone but NZ away and Melbourne at home is season-defining.
3 (3) KINGS 16-9: Time to show something extra against the champs, so far a nemesis.
2 (2) WILDCATS 16-9: Home against Sydney suggests a quieter round for the quiet achievers.
1 (1) UNITED 16-8: Getting job done but Sydney-Adelaide on the road will have its issues.