DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to keep rising in front of sold-out SBC

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (15-7) 2nd vs ILLAWARRA HAWKS (8-13) 7th
Where: State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South
When: Thursday, January 8 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

Josh King’s side return home after a seven-point win over the Kings in a top-four shootout, where the Phoenix posted a franchise-record 124 points. Combined with Sydney’s 117, the teams totalled 241 points - making history as the highest-scoring game in the NBL’s 40-minute era.

That win lifted the Phoenix to 15 victories for the season, drawing them level with crosstown rivals Melbourne United and maintaining second position on the ladder.

The Hawks come into Thursday night’s clash off an 18-point win over the Taipans last Saturday. The return of Sam Froling from the Achilles injury he suffered during the NBL25 Finals has provided a significant boost as Illawarra push towards a top-six spot.

The last time the two sides met, the Hawks came out firing from tip-off as the Phoenix - without Owen Foxwell and Malique Lewis - fought back to force overtime but ultimately fell by four points.

The Phoenix will be out for revenge in front of a sold-out State Basketball Centre as they continue their push towards the postseason and look to lock in a top-two position.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will go in unchanged to Thursday night’s game.

Hawks

The Hawks will also go in unchanged to the game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Young Foxy continues to grow

Owen Foxwell is enjoying a career-best season in his fifth year in the Heartland. Averaging 11.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, the 22-year-old has added spark to Josh King’s starting line-up. The Phoenix head coach has been full of praise for Foxwell, highlighting his confidence and labelling him a “ball player.”

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 13-11 Hawks

Last time out – Rd11, NBL26
Phoenix 109-113 Hawks

Phoenix
Iwundu 22p
Sobey 19p
Brown III 13p

Hawks
Peterson 42p
McGee 29p
Hickey 16p

GAME DAY HUB

Coming to the sold-out game at SBC? Make sure you across everything happening by CLICKING HERE or the image below.