DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Crucial Game for Phoenix and Bullets in Saturday’s Clash

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (0-4) 10th vs BRISBANE BULLETS (0-3) 9th
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, October 12 at 8pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN via Kayo 

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The Phoenix return to the Fire Pit hoping to secure their first win in front of their passionate fans when they take on the winless Brisbane Bullets on Saturday night.

Import shooter Matt Hurt was the silver lining for the South East in their loss to the Adelaide 36ers last round, posting a game-high 32 points alongside Next Star Malique Lewis, who showed his potential with 14 points in 14 minutes, including two back-to-back three-pointers to bring the margin down to 10 points.

Co-captain Nathan Sobey will take on his former side for the first time in the NBL25 season. The last time the two sides met, Sobey had 35 points against the Phoenix, but he will be instrumental for his new side as he helps his team towards their first win for the season.

The Bullets are coming off a nine-point loss to the Sydney Kings in the last round. After trailing by as much as 29 points, they had a marginal comeback, outscoring the Kings 27-16 in the final term.

Young gun, Owen Foxwell will play his 50th NBL game on Saturday. He is currently the longest serving Phoenix player, after starting his career as a development player for two season before being elevated to a full roster position last season.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Matt Kenyon comes off his injury waiver and returns to the side after recovering from a lacerated foot. Phoenix will go into the game with a full squad.

Bullets

Bullet's forward Deng Adel will miss Saturday's game due to illness. He will be replaced by DP Josh Kunen. Sam McDaniel is out for the season with a shoulder injury.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Rocco vs Malique Next Star Match-Up

Brisbane’s Next Star Rocco Zikarsky has a season under his belt and will be a battle of the Next Stars when he comes up against Class of 2025 Next Star Malique Lewis. Both stars are looking to be first-round picks for the NBA draft and have started off their NBL25 season with solid numbers. Lewis is averaging 6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds, while Zikarsky is at 8.3 points and 3.7 rebounds.

Our @NBLNextStars showing his range! 🤩

💻 Livestream: https://t.co/FQKNUq70d9 pic.twitter.com/iRdgXHnvTU

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) August 29, 2024

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 8-7 Bullets

Last time out – Rd13, NBL24
Phoenix 83-95 Bullets

Phoenix
Kenyon 14p
Williams 13p
Nader 13p

Bullets
Sobey 35p
Bannan 17p
McDaniel 14p

GAME DAY HUB

Get all your game day details from pre- to post-game via HERE, or click on the graphic below.