DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to topple rivals in Throwdown 31

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (9-5) 3rd vs MELBOURNE UNITED (13-3) 1st
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Sunday, December 7 at 2:30pm
Watch: Channel 10 | ESPN

The Phoenix will host Melbourne United for the third Throwdown of NBL26, in front of a sold-out crowd at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.

United have held the upper hand in the first two matchups this season, but the Phoenix will be determined to put together a consistent four-quarter performance and topple the ladder leaders.

Josh King’s side enters the Throwdown following an overtime loss to the Illawarra Hawks on Thursday night. A game in which the Phoenix stormed back from 20 points down in the opening minutes of the final quarter to force OT, before ultimately falling by four.

United also come into Sunday’s clash off a loss, going down by 12 points to the Perth Wildcats in the West. In that game, United captain Chris Goulding was held scoreless for the first time in seven years.

SOBEY ROCKED THAT HOOP! 🔥

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/ca9kumwxD7

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) November 8, 2025

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will go in unchanged to Sunday’s game.

United

United will go in unchanged to Sunday’s game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Stopping Tyson Walker

In the Round 8 Throwdown, United import Tyson Walker proved to be the difference-maker, finishing with a game-high 24 points and a +25 plus/minus. Slowing down his offensive impact will be a major focus for the Phoenix backcourt.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 9-21 United

Last time out – Rd8, NBL26
Phoenix 81-92 United

Phoenix
Sobey 15p
Iwundu 10p
Brown III 9p

United
Walker 24p
Delany 18p
Goulding 16p

GAME DAY HUB

CLICK HERE or the image below to get all your game day information for Sunday’s Throwdown.