The league's leading scorer in 2014, a Rio Olympian in 2016 and last season's grand final MVP, Goulding has only started 12 times this season.

But he remains one of the competition's stars in the clutch as he showed in Sunday's 89-87 win over the Adelaide 36ers, scoring nine of his 16 points in the fourth quarter.

"It would be very hypocritical as the captain of the club if I was not happy with the role that was given to me," Goulding said.

"I'm just trying to embrace it.

"I'm very much of the belief that whatever my team needs me to do, I will continue to do that."

That a player of Goulding's calibre can be out of the starting five is a testament to United's strong depth as the reigning champions push for top spot this weekend against Cairns (Thursday) and Perth (Sunday).

"Double road (last weekend), then double home to finish the season, it's in our hands to secure one of those top two spots," Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said.

"I believe this group, when we play our best basketball, we're very, very good."

Despite the loss, Sixers coach Joey Wright remains buoyed that his team's destiny remains in its own hands.

An away win over the Wildcats on Friday would guarantee Adelaide a semi-final spot, while a loss will open the door for Brisbane to seize the last playoff berth, by beating New Zealand on Saturday.

If both the 36ers (14-13) and Bullets (13-14) lose, Adelaide will advance.

Wright hopes it won't come down to that.

"I'd always much rather count on that (beating Perth) than hope someone loses," he said.

"I don't like watching games and hoping other teams lose.

"We've beaten every team in the competition this year."We know we have the capacity to do it."

Australian Associated Press