DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Fight to Retain Top-Six Spot against Brisbane

Key Details

BRISBANE BULLETS (6-7) 8th vs. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (7-8) 6th
Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
When: Thursday, December 12 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

The Phoenix are in the top-six for the first time this Hungry Jack’s NBL25 season after their win against the Taipans last round, after a 0-5 beginning to their season.

They will come up against the in-form Bullets, who took down the ladder-leaders Melbourne United in a high-scoring game by eight points.

Nathan Sobey will return to Brisbane for the first time since arriving at the Phoenix, and it will surely be a hostile environment for the captain. 

The guard had his best game in the green and ash grey in the last round’s win and was named player of the game by the NBL and Phoenix fans with 26 points.

Justin Schuller’s side will be looking to keep their winning streak going at home and climb to steal the sixth position from the Phoenix.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will remain without import point guard Derrick Walton Jr, who remains sidelined with illness, replaced by Luke Rosendale. Walton Jr will return for the Throwdown on Sunday.

Bullets

The Bullets are without Deng Adel (hand) and Jarred Bairstow (ankle), with Josh Bannan (ankle) a game time decision.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Casey Prather high scoring

In his last three games, Brisbane’s forward is currently 75 per cent from the field and scored 33 points on 14/17 FG against the 36ers and 27 points against United. The Phoenix backcourt will have the task of shutting down the sharp-eye Prather on Thursday night.

Wiesy on fire! 🔥

📺 ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/oVm7uqdJ2Y

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) October 12, 2024

HISTORY

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

Last time out – Rd4, NBL25
Phoenix 85-87 Bullets

Phoenix
Hurt 24p
Walton Jr 19p
Wieskamp 10p

Bullets
Harrison 21p
Batemon 20p
Prather 15p