DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Head North, Eye Top Four Spot

Key Details

CAIRNS TAIPANS (4-17) 10th v. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (12-10) 5th
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
When: Tuesday, January 14 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN 

The NBL world could only applaud as the Phoenix showed their wares in a tough victory over Brisbane on Saturday, restricting the Bullets to just 32 points in the second half to now sit fifth on the standings. 

Josh King’s side lifted with the absence of import point guard Derrick Walton Jr who sustained a hamstring injury in the opening quarter, to get the victory in front of a sold-out Gippsland crowd.

The Phoenix will look to take the series against the Taipans in NBL25 when they head north on Tuesday night. Phoenix captain Jordi Hunter will also celebrate his 150th NBL game when he comes up against the Taipans.

Adam Forde’s side had a narrow loss to the Sydney Kings on Sunday, going down by four points.

That is how you do your 1,000 points in style! 🫡

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/9KSzMibsbS

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) December 7, 2024

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will unfortunately be without import Derrick Walton Jr for the remainder of the regular season who sustained a high-grade hamstring injury in the win over the Bullets in Gippsland. DP Luke Rosendale has been elevated to the main roster spot in his absence. 

Taipans

The Taipans will be without Jackson Makoi after being stood down from the team due to legal issues.

KEEP AN EYE ON 

Foxy the game changer again 

Owen Foxwell has started to cement himself as the game changer for the Phoenix. When Walton Jr went down, the point guards stepped up in his absence, including the 21-year-old Foxwell whose desperate, diving efforts to strip Mitch Norton of the ball earned the ire of the crowd, coaches, commentators and the NBL social team. 

HISTORY 

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-8 Taipans 

Last time out – Rd11, NBL25
Phoenix 99-94 Taipans 

Phoenix
Sobey 26p
Hurt 19p
Glover 16p

Taipans
Edwards 24p
Armstrong 18p
Waardenburg 14p