'City's premier club': United playing Throwdown mind games

A Throwdown matchup at any point of the season is must-watch basketball, but add the fact that both teams are coming off a loss, and it adds just a little bit more to it.

"Last time [I was here]… it was a little bit like people were saying – a throw-up," United star forward Luke Travers said on Tuesday.

"But this time they're really competitive.

"We obviously versed them in the pre-season, and they took one from us, so yeah, they're looking good."

United have won 20 of the 32 matchups against the Phoenix, and they'll be hoping they continue that trend on Thursday night, which will be an away game for Jacob Chance's team.

"Yeah, we love a Throwdown," Chance said.

"It's a great rivalry that's been building in our sport between two great teams.

"South East [Melbourne] are playing really well right now and had a great season last season, with a lot of continuity off of that."

United lost the season opener in a thriller to Adelaide, but star guard Cole Anthony shone with 30 points in just 22 minutes of action.

The Phoenix, on the other hand, split their opening road trip, with a big win against Perth on Saturday before running out of gas against Tasmania on Monday.

"Us obviously being Melbourne United, the premier club in the city, it's a great opportunity to test ourselves against a really good team early in the season," Chance added.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what that brings.

"They have a really clear identity of how they play. They try to make the game fast with how they press you and pick you up full court.

"They crash the glass, and they play with tempo on offence, so those are three big areas for us to focus on."

Throwdown 33 tips off at 7.30pm AEST, live on ESPN.