DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix challenge the Kings in top-four clash

Key Details

SYDNEY KINGS (13-8) 4th vs. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (14-7) 2nd
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
When: Monday, January 5 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

Josh King’s side finished 2025 with fireworks, claiming a 15-point win over the Cairns Taipans after being challenged in the first half.

Co-captain Nathan Sobey had a night out, becoming the first NBL player to record 31 points, 10 assists, four steals and zero turnovers, as he keeps his name firmly in the MVP race alongside Adelaide’s Bryce Cotton and Sydney’s Kendric Davis.

The last time the two sides met was in Round 6, where Wes Iwundu made his Phoenix debut and a barrage of three-pointers from Jordan Hunter, Akech Aliir and Sobey sealed the club’s fifth-ever win over the Kings.

The Kings have become one of the in-form teams of the competition as they continue to climb the ladder towards the postseason.

Brian Goorjian’s side pushed ladder-leaders Adelaide on Friday night, leading at half-time before the 36ers capitalised on Bul Kuol’s injury to storm back from 11 points down and win by six, snapping Sydney’s six-game winning streak.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will go in unchanged into Monday’s game. 

Kings

Bul Kol will miss the game on Monday night due to injuring his knee in the game against Adelaide. Kouat Noi will return to the team after missing the last game due to illness.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Nathan Sobey vs Kendric Davis

Two MVP contenders headline this matchup, with a shootout expected between Sobey and Davis at Qudos Bank Arena. Fans saw sparks fly in their Round 6 meeting, where Phoenix co-captain Sobey poured in 33 points to Davis’ 31 in a fiery contest. Expect more of the same on Monday night.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 5-16 Kings

Last time out – Rd6, NBL26
Phoenix 112-95

Phoenix
Sobey 33p
Foxwell 17p
Maldonado 17p

Kings
Davis 31p
Soares 24p
Dellavedova 14p