DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix hunt for back-to-back wins in Queensland

Key Details

BRISBANE BULLETS (5-9) 8th vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (8-3) 3rd
Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
When: Thursday, November 20 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

The Phoenix head back to Queensland for their first game of the round after an 11-point win in Far North Queensland over the Taipans in Round 9.

Josh King’s side welcomed back sharpshooter Angus Glover last round after he missed Round 8 with an ankle injury. The 27-year-old didn’t miss a beat, knocking down five first-half threes in the win over Cairns.

These teams met just a month ago, but a lot has changed for Brisbane since then - import Jaylen Adams has parted ways with the club, while Casey Prather has had his season cut short by a knee injury. The Phoenix won their Round 6 matchup by 13 points and will be aiming to extend their strong record at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in NBL26.

Despite being undermanned, the Bullets pushed ladder-leaders Melbourne United last round. A spirited final-quarter surge (39–27) saw them close the gap, but they ultimately fell short by six. Expect them to come out firing at home.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Hunter Maldonado will remain in Melbourne to continue his progress along the concussion pathway. DP Pat Ryan will replace Maldonado. Next Star Malique Lewis will be sidelined for round 10 due to pneumothorax and will be reassessed following the FIBA window.

Bullets

The Bullets will regain Tohi Smith-Milner who has recovered from a finger injury. But the Bullets, will be without Casey Prather for the remainder of the season due to an knew injury and Sam McDaniel (ankle).

KEEP AN EYE ON

Daniel Foster

Originally signed as a development player for NBL26, Daniel Foster earned an elevation to a full roster spot before the season tipped off after proving he was built for Josh King’s system.

The 24-year-old’s one-percenters, hustle plays and defensive grit don’t always show up on the stat sheet, but they’ve become exactly what the team - and Phoenix fans - have come to love from the local product.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 11-10 Bullets

Last time out – Rd6, NBL26
Phoenix 109-86 Bullets

Phoenix
Sobey 29p
Hunter 12p
Brown III 12p

Bullets
Prather 18p
Harrison 14p
Adams 13p