Chris Goulding will have his work cut out for him up against NBA MVP Russell Westbrook and the Thunder. Picture: Digital Image

United is on a hiding to nothing up against two of the best players in the NBA in reigning MVP Westbrook and Paul George, along with ageing scoring machine Carmelo Anthony, recently acquired from the New York Knicks.

Oklahoma City’s star trio Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony represents both a nightmare and an opportunity for Melbourne United. Picture: APSource:AP

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Amid adversity, though, opportunity springs.

And Boomers legend and former United coach Chris Anstey has encouraged everyone on United’s roster to seize the day.

“It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for some of those (United) guys,” Anstey said.

“There will be a bit of learning on the fly, but it will be an incredible experience for every one of the players who go over and compete against an NBA club.”

He says while they can expect an onslaught from the Thunder, says United, along with the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets, are blazing a trail for the NBL.

Chris Goulding will be keen to showcase his skills to NBA scouts. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

“They (OKC) won’t take it easy, if anything they’ll think we have no right going over and playing them and wanting to kick our a*** I imagine.

“I think the exposure and the cross pollination for Australian fans is incredible.

“It’s a fantastic first step toward the bigger picture, being to get an NBA team here to at least play a preseason game.”

United will go into the game with one of the most stacked line-ups in NBL history and almost no pressure to perform.

The Thunder should, realistically, cruise to victory — a United win would be just about the greatest upset in sporting history.

But it’s not about the result, it’s about the rejuvenation of Australia’s national league.

And its also a chance for one, or more, of United’s players to showcase their abilities to a world wide audience.

Who will put their hand up?

Good luck stopping the reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. PICTURE: Getty Images/AFPSource:AFP

The United v OKC clash is part of a three-game exhibition series between NBL and NBA teams, with the Sydney Kings facing the Utah Jazz and the Brisbane Bullets up against the Phoenix Suns.

Here’s what you need to know:

TIME AND DATE IN AUSTRALIA

Time: 6am AEDT (2pm in OKC)

Date: Monday, October 9 (Sunday, October 8 in OKC)

Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, OKC

HOW TO WATCH AND WHAT CHANNEL?

The NBA has struck an agreement with ESPN to televise all three historic preseason games against NBL teams live in Australia.

Sydney Kings v Utah Jazz, Tuesday, October 3, 12pm AEDT

Melbourne United v Oklahoma City Thunder, Monday, October 9, 6am AEDT

Brisbane Bullets v Phoenix Suns, Saturday, October 14, 1pm AEDT

*All games live on ESPN and NBA League Pass

CLICK HERE FOR MORE BASKETBALL MARKETS AT ODDS.COM.AU

TALE OF THE TAPE

The NBL announced on August 1, that Melbourne United, the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets would break new ground and take on NBA teams the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns in the USA.

It will be the first time Aussie teams have played against their American counterparts on US soil, with the Perth Wildcats the only other NBL team to play against an NBA side when they battled the Houston Rockets in the 1995 McDonald’s Championship in London.

The NBL has been in discussions with the NBA to attract a team to play a game in Australia, with the MCG as a venue first floated by champion Matthew Dellavedova last year.

Since the announcement, four more NBA teams have reportedly expressed interest in taking on an NBL team in the coming years.

PLAYERS TO WATCH— OKLAHOMA CITY

RUSSELL WESTBROOK

Needs no introduction. One of the most dynamic players in the NBA. Voted the Most Valuable Player in the league after a historic triple-double season. Good luck, Casper Ware.

Paul George will be a force in OKC. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

PAUL GEORGE

The prototypical swingman. Plays both ends of the floor. A great all-rounder whose size and athleticism will be an absolute nightmare. Could play all five positions against United if he wanted to.

You don’t mess with hoodie Melo. Picture: APSource:AP

CARMELO ANTHONY

New digs and a new outlook. Once one of the best scorers in the NBA, as a third option, he should get plenty of open looks. And that spells trouble for United. If he plays the four, David Andersen has no hope of keeping up with him.

TERRANCE FERGUSON

Ferguson adds a little Aussie flavour, having skipped college and played in the NBL last season, before being drafted by the Thunder. United will know him well — and they know he’s an extraordinary talent.

PLAYERS TO WATCH— OKLAHOMA CITY

CASEY PRATHER

If he wants an NBA gig, this is a good place to start. One of the best athletes in the NBL and runner up in the NBL MVP last season. Will probably have the unenviable task of scoring on Paul George.

CHRIS GOULDING

A Melbourne favourite. Goulding had a tough battle with ankle injuries last season, but is reportedly fit and healthy and ready to splash a few bombs on the Thunder. He will have to try and do that against an All-NBA defender in Andre Roberson, though.

Can Casper Ware catch the eye of an NBA team? Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

CASPER WARE

Only returned to United after being unable to secure an NBA contract and will hope an NBA team in need of a point guard keeps a close eye. The best scorer in the NBL last season. Will have a licence to do his thing.

KYLE ADNAM

At a tick over six-foot, Adnam is listed at 84kg, but looks more like 70 wringing wet. It doesn’t matter though. He’s fearless, dynamic and lightning quick. A breakout candidate for United this year and will be keen to test himself against NBA talent.

Kyle Adnam gets his chance to impress on the biggest stage. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Originally published as United urged to seize day against Thunder