DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix primed for Game 1 of Playoff series against Hawks

Key Details

ILLAWARRA HAWKS v. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
Where: Win Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
When: Friday, February 28 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

Josh King’s side had a scare in their Play-In Elimination game against the Adelaide 36ers but ultimately came out on top. 

After being down by 21-points going into the second-half a comeback was on the horizon led by Matt Hurt, Ben Ayre and Owen Foxwell at both ends.

The Phoenix will go into just their second Playoff series, after making the semis in the NBL 19/20 season against Melbourne United. 

The Phoenix will be bolstered by the return of import point guard Derrick Walton Jr, who has been out of the side due to a hamstring injury since round 16. In his return, he will also suit up for his 50th NBL game.

.@DerrickWalton10 is BACK tomorrow night for the Playoffs! 💚

Here's a rare, behind-the-scenes look into his rehab journey and how he defied the odds. 🔥

🎥 Full documentary coming soon. pic.twitter.com/aiRhyyAUH9

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) February 27, 2025

The top four are in the Playoff series and one step closer to the Championship series and Phoenix’s maiden title, the Phoenix will take on the ladder leading Illawarra Hawks in a best of three series starting tonight.

NBL Coach of the Year, Justin Tatum’s side has had a month off after the NBL25 regular season concluded in early February, preparing for semi-finals, while the Phoenix have had a week’s rest.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will welcome back import point guard Derrick Walton Jr who has recovered from his hamstring injury he sustained in round 16 in Gippsland.

Hawks

The Hawks will look to regain imports Trey Kell and Darrius Days who missed the last two rounds due to injuries.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Hawks All-NBL First Backcourt

The Phoenix will be coming up against a well-rested Hawks side that includes the import backcourt and All-NBL First members, Tyler Harvey and ex-Phoenix player Trey Kell. As Phoenix welcome back their import point guard in Derrick Walton Jr bringing experience and finesse into the one spot, it’s going to be a task ahead defensively to minimise the effect of Harvey and Kell.

Steal ➡️ Sobey dunk!

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/ezMtAd0xCh

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) December 31, 2024

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 12-9 Hawks

Last time out – Rd 14, NBL25
Phoenix 110-105 Hawks

Phoenix
Sobey 25p
Wieskamp 23p
Walton Jr 17p

Hawks
Harvey 20p
Froling 18p
Hickey 18p