DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix head to Cairns for New Year’s Fireworks

Key Details

CAIRNS TAIPANS (5-15) 10th vs. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (13-7) 3rd
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
When: Wednesday, December 31 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

Following a nine-day break between games, the Phoenix were unable to start their end-of-year road trip with a win, going down to Tasmania by three-points on Monday night.

Fans got their first look at new import Ian Clark in Phoenix colours in Hobart, as he made his debut for his fourth NBL club. Coming off the bench, Clark scored seven points in the loss.

Josh King’s side will play their second Ignite Cup game of the in-season tournament. After falling to Tasmania in their opening Ignite Cup fixture earlier this month, the Phoenix will be eager to get their Ignite Cup campaign back on track against a bottom-placed Cairns side still searching for their first Ignite Cup win.

The Taipans are coming off a 20-point loss to the Adelaide 36ers on Christmas Eve, with both teams chasing a final win of 2025 on New Year’s Eve.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will go in unchanged. Next Star Malique Lewis will continue his minute restrictions.

Cairns

The Taipans will go in unchanged.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Ian Clark

In his first NBL appearance since April, Ian Clark gave Phoenix fans a glimpse of the impact he can have as South East Melbourne push towards a maiden championship. The 34-year-old point guard recorded seven points and four assists in 15 minutes off the bench, and with only one training session under his belt before Monday’s game, Clark will look to further settle in with his new teammates in Cairns.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 13-8 Taipans

Last time out – Rd9, NBL26 
Phoenix 101-90 Taipans

Phoenix
Glover 24p
Sobey 17p
Brown III 13p

Taipans
McVeigh 22p
King 16p
Schofield 14p