The Christmas night hoops countdown is on

The historic night of Christmas hoops is almost upon us as the Sydney Kings prepare to host Melbourne United in the first-ever Christmas night fixture in Australian sport.

A new chapter will be written in the long and storied on-court rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney basketball, and the team who takes the win here will hold on to eternal bragging rights.

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The reigning champions and host side Sydney are looking to usurp the New Zealand Breakers at the top of the table – and while United will be hoping star King Xavier Cooks will miss the clash with an ankle injury, the powers at be in Sydney are loathe to rule the star man out of the game.

A winning run has brought Melbourne back into contention for playoff basketball, but having played three games more than those around them on the table they need to keep winning to keep the pressure on.

Rayjon Tucker has looked like a man reborn in recent games, and his high-flying antics above the rim make for a must-see show on any court he takes to in the country – and Kings fans will know all about their own history against Melbourne skipper Chris Goulding.

Christmas night hoops look set to be an absolute scorcher of a game. You can be at Qudos Bank Arena to witness history – buy your tickets here.