The makings of a classic

Friday night’s showdown is set to rock the round, when the two best teams in the competition set to lock horns and the winner securing top spot on the NBL standings.

Melbourne United hosts the Illawarra Hawks in what looms as a potential classic. 

“Outstanding matchups right across the floor here,” Derek Rucker said on NBL Now.

“I would say that the margin of victory either way will be no greater than four points.”

Last time these two teams met, the ending of the game made headlines and had everyone eagerly anticipating a rematch.

Who could forget the aftermath, when Hawks coach Justin Tatum accused Chris Goulding of flopping.

“This game is heightened by the fact that Melbourne United lost that game to Brisbane,” Rucker said.

“Dean Vickerman is going to have them super charged up.

“We know Melbourne rarely lose two games in a row, but Illawarra rightfully could feel that they’re the best team in the competition.”

It’s not only the top two teams in the league in terms of ladder position, but also two the teams who have dominated every statistical category this season.

While Goulding is set to miss for United, due to a calf injury, Rucker believes the big man battle will decide the winner. 

“Sam Froling is a key ... and he performs very well against Melbourne United,” he said.

“Rob Loe has been in outstanding form too, so that is going to be a really good matchup.”

The Hawks recently shook up their stating unit by inserting former United championship winner, Mason Peatling, and bringing star import Darius Days off the bench.

“Days is starting to find his way in the league and be the impact guy that we had probably expected him to be earlier in the season, and his matchup with Jack White ... that’s a great one,” Rucker said.

“White is playing in outstanding form, I think right now he’s a first team All-NBL guy.

“Days needs to show that he is a high-level performer by dominating that matchup or at least getting the better of Jack White.”

It's got all the makings of one of the best games of the season, and it's live on ESPN, Friday from 7.30pm AEDT.