DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to topple Cotton’s 36ers

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (9-3) 3rd vs ADEALAIDE 36ERS (10-3) 2nd
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, November 22 at 8pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

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The Phoenix return from Queensland after a commanding 27-point victory, taking care of the Bullets in Brisbane on Thursday night.

Co-captain Jordan Hunter was outstanding, scoring a game-high 24 points and falling just short of a double-double with nine rebounds. In the absence of Next Star Malique Lewis, import Wes Iwundu stepped into the starting lineup for the first time this season and stepped up, contributing 13 points and four rebounds.

Back at home, Josh King’s side now turns its attention to the in-form Adelaide 36ers as both teams battle to secure second place heading into the FIBA Window.

These two sides last met in Round 5 in Adelaide, where Nathan Sobey’s 300th NBL game was spoiled by the 36ers, who rode a hot start to claim the win.

The 36ers enter Saturday’s clash coming off a big win over the reigning champion Illawarra Hawks, highlighted by a career-best night from Bryce Cotton: 30 points, 13 assists and zero turnovers.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will again be without Malique Lewis (pneumothorax) and Hunter Maldonado (concussion) for Saturday’s game.

36ers

The 36ers will go into the game unchanged from their Wednesday game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Phoenix team effort

This is the best start to a season in Phoenix franchise history - sitting 9-3 and third on the ladder. Coach Josh King has built a clear identity, with every player buying into the 94-feet mentality that has become their trademark.

One of the Phoenix’s three losses this season came at the hands of the 36ers, powered by five-time MVP Bryce Cotton. Stopping Cotton - along with the offensive threats of DJ Vasiljevic, Zylan Cheatham, Isaac Humphries, Isaac White and others - will require a full-team defensive effort and the help of the home crowd.

With both sides fighting for the second seed, expect a finals-like intensity as we reach the halfway point of NBL26.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 11-12 36ers

Last time out – Rd5, NBL26
Phoenix 71-88 36ers

Phoenix
Hunter 16p
Sobey 12p
Glover 11p

36ers
Cotton 28p
Humphries 21p
Cheatham 8p

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