DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: King at the Helm for First Game in Tasmania

Key Details

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS (3-5) 7th vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (2-6) 10^th
Where: Silverdome, Launceston
When: Friday, November 1 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN via Kayo

The Phoenix will be led by incoming head coach Josh King for the first time at the Silverdome this Friday, after Sam Mackinnon coached the team to a 2-1 record in three attempts as interim coach.

Despite the loss to the Illawarra Hawks in the last round, the Phoenix took it up to the ladder leaders, only going down by six points. Import forward Joe Wieskamp had a standout game, throwing down a couple of highlight-worthy dunks while recording 16 points and seven rebounds. 

The Phoenix will face off for the first time this season against ex-Phoenix players Reuben Te Rangi and Gorjok Gak on Friday night.

The reigning champions, the JackJumpers, are coming off a heated game against the Brisbane Bullets. They took the win by eight points, securing their third win for the season.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Derrick Walton Jr. remains out of the side as he continues recovering from his hamstring strain. Luke Rosendale will replace him.

JackJumpers

The JackJumpers remain without Sean McDonald as he recovers from an ankle injury.

KEEP AN EYE ON

The Dagger of Matt Hurt

The surprise package of import Matt Hurt has kept Phoenix fans happy. He continues to shoot highly in his first eight games and is currently ranked second in the league in points with 20.63 after losing the top position to 36ers’ Kendric Davis by 0.12. 

 The 24-year-old currently holds the league record for scoring 15+ points in eight consecutive appearances and looks to continue that streak when he returns to the floor on Friday night in Tasmania.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 6-3 JackJumpers

Last time out – Rd19, NBL24
Phoenix 67-94 JackJumpers

Phoenix
Nader 19p
Ayre 13p
Rissetto 8p

JackJumpers
McVeigh 11p
Magnay 11p
Stendiel 11p

Ben 🔟 👌

📺 ESPN ➡️ Kayo | Foxtel pic.twitter.com/hnpf1B0DT6

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) February 10, 2024