NBL26 Round 18, Game 1: DrinkWise Previews Brisbane Bullets Matchup

The upcoming Ignite Cup game will see the Melbourne United face off against the Brisbane Bullets at Bendigo Arena. This matchup occurs on January 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM AEDT. Melbourne United has a strong track record against the Bullets, having swept three previous games this season.

Brisbane Bullets’ Struggles

The Bullets currently find themselves at the bottom of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 ladder, having suffered 13 losses in their last 14 games. Interim Head Coach Darryl McDonald has emphasized the need for his team to maintain their fighting spirit. “We’re not going to quit just because it gets hard,” McDonald stated, showing confidence in his players’ resolve.

Coaching Perspectives

Melbourne’s Head Coach Dean Vickerman has noted positive developments following a recent appearance at HoopsFest. He believes that enhancing their defensive strategies and improving game management will be crucial. Vickerman remarked, “It’s a step in the right direction,” highlighting the team’s confidence.

Players to Watch

• Chris Goulding: Leading Melbourne’s shooting efforts, Goulding has averaged 19 points per game and consistently makes over 4 three-pointers per game with a success rate exceeding 40%. In his career, he has scored 122 three-pointers against the Bullets.
• Hunter Maldonado: Since joining Brisbane, Maldonado has impressed with averages of 22.3 points and 6.3 assists per game, although he is yet to secure a win with the team.

Game Details

This game is critical for both teams, with Melbourne looking to continue their dominance and Brisbane aiming for redemption. Fans can expect an intense evening of basketball as these two teams meet for the final Ignite Cup encounter.