DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to extend historic win streak

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (7-2) 2nd vs. MELBOURNE UNITED (9-2) 1st
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, November 8 at 8pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN FOR THROWDOWN 30

In the 30th Throwdown between the two Melbourne sides, Saturday night at John Cain Arena will be the place to be as the Victorian rivals go head-to-head in a top-of-the-table clash.

While United hold the upper hand in the rivalry - winning 20 of the 29 matchups - the Phoenix will be out for redemption after a disappointing loss in Throwdown 29 earlier this season.

They’ll also look to extend their winning-streak to an unprecedented six, having already beaten the club record after their away win in Launceston last night.

With the addition of NBA-experienced import Wes Iwundu, head coach Josh King has found a strong rhythm with his squad, helping the Phoenix climb to second on the ladder.

The Phoenix will look to carry that momentum forward after edging out the JackJumpers by a single point on Thursday night.

United, meanwhile, will be determined to return to the winner’s list after suffering back-to-back losses to Sydney and Illawarra. They went down to the Hawks by 14 points in Wednesday’s championship rematch, with their top spot on the ladder now under pressure from both the Phoenix and the 36ers.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Angus Glover will miss round 8 due to an ankle injury sustained last round, an estimated timeframe for his return will be determined in the next few days. Development player Pat Ryan will replace him in the side.

United

United will go in unchanged into Saturday’s Throwdown.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Next Man Up

When a player of Angus Glover’s calibre goes down - one of the Phoenix’s sharpshooters from deep and an early Sixth Man of the Year contender - the question is always: Who steps up?

Enter Next Star Malique Lewis. On Thursday night, he delivered in style, recording a career-high 23 points and shooting 5/7 from beyond the arc. From the opening tip, the 20-year-old was electric, helping the Phoenix secure an important one-point victory on Thursday night.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 9-20 United

Last time out – Rd2, NBL26
Phoenix 83-103 United

Phoenix
Sobey 26p
Brown III 12p
Hunter 9p

United
Doyle 18p
Walker 13p
Krslovic 12p

GAME DAY HUB

The precinct will be busy on Saturday night due to the A-League derby at AAMI Park and concert on Rod Laver Arena. Please read our game day hub by CLICKING HERE or the image below to be up-to-date.