DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to topple rivals in Throwdown 31
By
Kadek Thatcher for Phoenix Media
6 Dec
1
min read


The Phoenix return to the Fire Pit to take on crosstown rivals Melbourne United and look to claim redemption 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! 🔥
— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) November 8, 2025
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/ca9kumwxD7
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.

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Mitch Creek Post-game Interview (Round 4 vs 36ers, NBL24)

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Will Cummings is Mr Worldwide (ESPN)

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A Fire Pit Thriller (Round 3 vs JackJumpers, NBL24)

15 Oct
GOAT Player of the Game - Gary Browne (Round 3 vs JackJumpers, NBL24)

14 Oct
VMT MATCH REPORT: Phoenix Rise in One-Point Thriller over JackJumpers

14 Oct
Kelly & Browne Press Conference vs Tasmania JackJumpers (Round 3, NBL24)
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