Melbourne must avoid "complacency"

Not falling into the trap of “complacency” will help drive Melbourne's approach in the final four games of the season, with top spot still very much on the line.

United has dropped four of its last seven fixtures, with the Wildcats ready to pounce if they slip up across the remainder of the regular season.

Melbourne now sits just one game ahead of a red-hot Perth outfit, which John Rillie's team closing fast.

“Just maybe a bit of complacency,” star Luke Travers said of United’s recent form.

“We get a win and then we’ll lose and then we’ll win, it’s just about not being too complacent like I said earlier in the year as well.”

A clash against the bottom-placed side would usually be one the top team would pencil in as a victory, but NBL24 has been full of surprises.

Coming up against their arch-rivals the Phoenix in the Throwdown on Saturday night, nothing is certain. 

Mitch Creek has been in stunning form of late, averaging 29 points across his last three appearances, and with his team still mathematically in the Finals race, he'll be looking to spoil United's party. 

The Phoenix already knocked off the Sydney Kings last week, and would want nothing more than the scalp of their Melbourne counterparts. 

“It comes down to team defence,” Travers said of stopping Creek.

“He’s obviously such a good player that it doesn’t just take one guy, it’s going to take all of us.

“It’s a lot of fun to go up against the best as well, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Travers has been in outstanding form himself across NBL24, averaging career-highs in points (12.3) and rebounds (7.7) as a key member in United’s success. 

John Cain Arena is already sold out for Saturday night’s Throwdown, with the best place to watch the game live on ESPN via Kayo.