DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix head to Hobart after nine-day break

Key Details

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS (9-12) 6th vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (13-6) 2nd
Where: MyState Bank Arena, Tasmania
When: Monday, December 29 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

Following their Christmas Spectacular win over the Brisbane Bullets on December 20, the Phoenix return to the court after a nine-day break to face the Tasmania JackJumpers in Hobart.

During the break, Josh King’s side saw a change at the point guard position, with Hunter Maldonado released and NBA and NBL champion Ian Clark joining the roster.

The JackJumpers have continued playing through the Christmas period, most recently pushing the New Zealand Breakers to overtime on Boxing Day. Despite falling by one point, Scott Roth’s side will be eager to respond at home on Monday night in front of their passionate fans.

The last time the two sides met was in the Phoenix’s first Ignite Cup game earlier this month, where the JackJumpers spoiled the Phoenix’s first appearance in Gippsland. The Phoenix will be out for revenge as they look to reclaim the upper hand.

TEAMS

Phoenix

New import Ian Clark will suit up for his first game with the Phoenix in Tasmania. Next Star Malique Lewis will return to the team in minute restrictions, following over a month on the sidelines due to pneumothorax and hamstring injury. 

JackJumpers

Will go in unchanged into Monday’s game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Defence vs Defence

The Phoenix will be looking to redeem themselves after their last meeting with the JackJumpers, where Tasmania matched Josh King’s defensive intensity and ultimately claimed the win. Led by defensive king, John Brown III, the Phoenix will be refreshed after the nine-day break and eager to impose their defensive pressure as they chase a fourth straight victory and look to cement their spot in the top two.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-4 JackJumpers

Last time out – Rd12, NBL26
Phoenix 81-89 JackJumpers

Phoenix
Iwundu 17p
Glover 13p
Brown III 12p

JackJumpers
Hamilton 18p
Magnay 12p
Marshall 12p