DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Look to Go Back-to-Back in New Zealand

Key Details

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 3-1 (2nd) vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (0-1) 10th
Where: Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
When: Thursday, October 24 at 5:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN via Kayo

The Phoenix had a backs-against-the-wall victory in Throwdown XXVI with assistant coach Sam Mackinnon stepping into the interim head coach role with aplomb.

The club announced their new head coach, Josh King, who will not take the team's reins until round 7, with Mackinnon continuing in the head role for round 6.

The two sides met as recently as round two, when the Breakers snatched a two-point win over the Phoenix, who led for the majority of the game.

Cap Sobey started the second half hot! 🔥

📺 10Bold & 10Play | ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/mhoxLpwlzZ

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) September 29, 2024

South East Melbourne will be without key import point guard Derrick Walton Jr, who sustained a grade one hamstring strain in the second quarter of the Throwdown and will miss approximately three weeks.

Co-captain Jordi Hunter was a shining light in the Throwdown, recording 20 points and nine rebounds, and will look to continue his form when he meets Sam Mennenga and Freddie Gillespie in the five positions.

The Breakers are coming off an upset win over the Perth Wildcats after their NBA games earlier in October.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Phoenix will be without import point guard Derrick Walton Jr for approximately three weeks due to a grade-one hamstring strain. He will be replaced by DP Luke Rosendale.

Breakers

The Breakers will be without Mitch McCarron (knee) and Mojave King (quad). They will be replaced by Alex McNaught and Kaia Isaac.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Who will fill the one position?

With no Derrick Walton Jr, the Phoenix are stacked with talented point guards, and the question will be who will start in that one position on Thursday night. Co-captain Nathan Sobey could step into the role, while Eltham Wildcats championship duo Angus Glover and Owen Foxwell have been Walton Jr's backup when he is off the court. The third player could see Ben Ayre, who had limited court time due to the duo's starring roles. Time will tell.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 11-7 Breakers

Last time out – Rd2, NBL25
Phoenix 79-81 Breakers

Phoenix
Sobey 24p
Hurt 20p
Hunter 12p

Breakers
Jackson-Cartwright 19p
Mooney 15p
Mennenga 11p