DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to turn up the heat against Perth in front of sold-out SBC

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (16-7) 2nd vs PERTH WILDCATS (13-10) 5th
Where: State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South
When: Saturday, January 10 at 8pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

The Phoenix continue their rise at the pointy end of the NBL26 regular season. Thursday night’s overtime victory over Illawarra has pushed Josh King’s side a full game clear in second position, with a game in hand, ahead of Melbourne United in third.

King’s men have now posted back-to-back 124-point performances, with their high-octane offence rocking the Heartland in front of sell-out crowds at State Basketball Centre.

The Phoenix are back at SBC in front of another capacity crowd on Saturday night, with Josh King and Next Star Malique Lewis both set to reach the milestone of 50 NBL games. Co-captain Nathan Sobey is also closing in on a major milestone, sitting just nine points shy of 5,000 career NBL points.

The Wildcats come into the contest off an eight-point win over the New Zealand Breakers six days ago and will be eager to keep their postseason hopes alive when they travel to the Heartland.

The last time these two sides met in December, it was another thriller that went down to the wire, with a second-half fightback and a clutch moment from John Brown III sealing the win for the Phoenix. Perth will be out for revenge, while the Phoenix will look to maintain their reputation as a tough team to beat in front of their passionate Heartland home crowd.

Good morning Phoenix fans, especially JB3! 🤯💚 pic.twitter.com/XCXVGRZUsw

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) December 18, 2025

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix go in unchanged into the game.

Wildcats

The Wildcats will be without import David Duke Jr who has injured his elbow.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Clutch Angus Glover

Firmly in the conversation for NBL Sixth Man of the Year, Angus Glover continues to provide a spark off the bench. His importance was on full display on Thursday night, knocking down a crucial three-pointer to help force overtime. In the win, Glover finished with 22 points on 64 per cent shooting, along with three rebounds and three steals.

ANGUS GLOVER IS CLUTCH 🥶

Watch live on ESPN 📺 pic.twitter.com/hWKEnCsLd8

— NBL (@NBL) January 8, 2026

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-15 Wildcats

Last time out – Rd13, NBL26
Phoenix 77-76 Wildcats

Phoenix
Hunter 18p
Sobey 16p
Glover 10p

Wildcats
Duke Jr 21p
Pepper 17p
Lual-Acuil Jr 15p

GAME DAY HUB

It’s another sell out at the State Basketball Centre. If you are coming to the game, make sure you are across our up-to-date game day information by CLICKING HERE or the image below.