Defending champions Melbourne could be without import DJ Kennedy as they open their NBL season against the Illawarra in Wollongong on Friday night.
Kennedy linked with United for their two-game NBA pre-season friendlies, but injured his foot in their first match against Philadelphia.
The American swingman has been in a moon-boot for a week but appeared to pass a fitness test in Melbourne on Wednesday, which was the first step towards making his NBL debut against the Hawks.
He had his foot in ice as he sat out the last few drills but United coach Dean Vickerman is hopeful he will line up.
The 28-year-old offers a versatile skill-set, having played everywhere from point guard to power forward throughout his career which included time with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012.
"We were really pleased with what we got out of him today," said Vickerman.
"He showed the defensive cat that he can be and he was really dominant at that end of floor and was consistent at the other end as well.
"He got through practice so we'll see how he pulls up again tomorrow."
After the Illawarra encounter, United return home for a Sunday clash with New Zealand Breakers who now feature ex-Melbourne premiership players Tai Wesley and Majok Majok.
As well as Philadelphia they travelled to Toronto to take on a second NBA team in the Raptors, while the Hawks spent some of their pre-season in Malaysia where they won the Seri Mutiara Cup.
Arriving back into Melbourne on Monday, Vickerman said they'd taken a few days to find their feet but he was mostly happy with where they were at.
He felt their consistency throughout a game was something they needed to improve.
"One of the things we identified while we were away were little lapses but we were pretty sharp today," Vickerman said.
"In most pre-season games there's been little periods where we take a step off.
"We came back from some good margins but it's a preventative measure - we can avoid that happening by maintaining our consistency."
