Melbourne prepares for Invercargill game

MELBOURNE: Melbourne United import DJ Kennedy is living up to his nickname ‘‘Big Play’’ as the NBL champion side prepares for Friday’s game against the Breakers in Invercargill.

Kennedy has the unusual name — given to him by his high school football coach — inked on his neck among other tattoos including his beloved NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Against the Cairns Taipans last round, the 29yearold pulled off a series of clutch plays in the final minute to help United ice their sixth win of the season to sit only behind Perth.

Kennedy has a reputation for delivering under pressure.

‘‘It seemed to happen that I make big plays here and there and it’s really stuck with me.’’

Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman will be counting on Kennedy for Friday night’s clash with the New Zealand Breakers in Invercargill — the first time an NBL game has been played in the South Island city.

After losing to the Breakers, who sit fourth, in their round one meeting, United’s chances of reversing that result were boosted with the inclusion of inform veteran David Barlow.

Barlow was carried from the court with a knee injury in the third quarter against Cairns but the twotime Olympian, as well as skipper Chris Goulding, who has also been battling a knee injury, have been cleared to play.

‘‘Barlow’s been fine — we took him out of the contact load today but he will be fine,’’ Vickerman said.

New Zealand international centre Alex Pledger, who has been battling a virus, will also make the trip and medical staff are hopeful he can play.