DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix hunt road momentum in Adelaide for Sobey’s 300th

Key Details

ADELAIDE 36ERS (3-1) 2nd vs. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (2-1) 4th
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
When: Thursday, October 16 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

The Phoenix travelled directly from New Zealand to Adelaide on Monday morning as they prepare for Thursday’s clash with the 36ers, which doubles as a celebration for captain Nathan Sobey who’ll feature in his 300th NBL game.

After a 17-day break from NBL action, the Phoenix returned in style, defeating the Breakers in New Zealand to open their mini road trip — and they’ll be eager to keep that momentum going in Adelaide.

Young gun Owen Foxwell was pivotal in the win, going 4/6 from deep and helping force the Breakers into 21 turnovers with relentless defensive pressure.

Adelaide, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing 24-point loss to the Sydney Kings, following the hype surrounding ex-36er (now King) Kendrick Davis returning to the City of Churches.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will be without new import Wes Iwundu who has arrived in the country on Wednesday. He will be replaced by Pat Ryan.

36ers

The 36ers will go in unchanged into Thursday’s game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Next task: Bryce Cotton

Named Player of the Game against the Breakers, Owen Foxwell continues to show his growth in his fifth NBL season, earning regular starts for the Phoenix in NBL26.

Alongside his teammates, the 22-year-old guard held import point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright to just nine points in the win over New Zealand.

Next task for the point guard is Bryce Cotton. Now on a new team but delivering the same MVP-calibre performances, the NBL25 MVP was limited to just seven points in the Kings’ win - and he’ll be determined to bounce back. Cotton will be a major test for Foxwell and the Phoenix’s defensive unit on Thursday night.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-10 36ers

Last time out – Play-In, NBL25
Phoenix 85-75 36ers

Phoenix
Hurt 25p
Ayre 17p
Sobey 11p

36ers
Davis 26p
Harrell 17p
Martin 11p