DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix fly into Playoffs Game 1 against 36ers

Key Details

ADELAIDE 36ERS vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
When: Tuesday, March 10 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

After the Phoenix’s 17-point win over the Perth Wildcats in the Seeding Qualifier, they now advance to the Semi-Finals to face the second-placed 36ers.

Josh King’s side returned to their defensive best following the extended break during the FIBA International window and will now turn their focus to Adelaide.

Young gun Owen Foxwell was impressive in the win over Perth, earning Player of the Game honours from fans with 18 points and four steals. Defensive Player of the Year John Brown III also recorded four steals and helped limit the impact of Adelaide stars Kristian Doolittle and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

Adelaide have not played in three weeks and will be determined to start strongly in front of their home crowd.

The last time the two sides met, the Phoenix squared the regular-season series at 2–2, claiming wins at HoopsFest and on Adelaide’s home court.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix go in unchanged to Game 1 of the Semi-Finals.

36ers

The 36ers will also go in unchanged.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Bench Power

Each side’s bench could play a key role in determining the result. In the last meeting, which the Phoenix won by 20 points, their bench combined for 27 points compared to just six from the 36ers’ bench. One player that will be pivotal for the Phoenix will be Sixth Man of the Year, Angus Glover leading the pack.

Another key battle will be between club MVPs Nathan Sobey and Bryce Cotton, with both teams looking for ways to limit their offensive impact. Game 1 is set to be a fiery contest.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head – NBL26 Regular Season
Phoenix 2-2 36ers

Last time out – Rd19, NBL26
Phoenix 97-77 36ers

Phoenix
Sobey 19p
Foxwell 16p
Brown III 14p

36ers
Cotton 26p
Cameron 21p
Cheatham 13p

For all Phoenix finals information, your one-stop place is the PHOENIX FINALS HUB!