Sunday's loss to the Wildcats in Perth was their fifth in eight games and, while entering round 15 second on the ladder, fifth-placed Adelaide have the same number of wins - 12.

If United lose to the 36ers next round, ladder positions can change dramatically. But first, Melbourne will host Illawarra on Wednesday, with the Hawks coming off two-consecutive wins including one over Sydney.

Vickerman said United had a tough run to reach the playoffs.

"We have a real tough one on Wednesday. Illawarra is playing some of the best basketball in the comp right now," he said. "Them and Adelaide, a couple of the form teams in the league and we have both of those teams coming up.

"We still have our share of road games as well, so every game is critical.

"We have eight to go now. I believe you have to get to that magical 16 number, so we have to win half of our games to win a playoff berth.

Vickerman said his side needed to stop giving up big leads.

Perth jumped to a 16-point advantage in Sunday's opening quarter. Melbourne fought back to take the lead briefly in the third term and again in the run home to almost pinch it.

Against Cairns a week earlier, the Taipans led by seven points at quarter-time and 13 at the final break.

United went on a 19-0 stretch to take the game to overtime and win it by 10 points.

In their loss to the 36ers in the previous round, Melbourne also trailed by eight at the first break.

Vickerman said it was something they must address.

"That's two games now we have got down heavy and got back," he said.

"The way we go out and approach the first quarters has got to change in these next couple of games because there are teams who are too good once you have given them a margin to try and come back.

"When we're playing the right way, we are as good as anyone in the league, but we're not doing it enough right now."

Australian Associated Press