DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Primed for their First-Ever Open Roof Game against the 36ers

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (8-9) 6th vs. ADELAIDE 36ERS (7-8) 8th
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, December 21 at 8pm AET
Watch: ESPN

90% SOLD! GET IN QUICK AND SECURE YOUR SEATS TO PHOENIX’S FIRST-EVER OPEN ROOF GAME.

For their last home game for 2024, the Phoenix will be going big when they open the roof of the Fire Pit on Saturday Night.

Entertainment includes a huge laser show, an appearance from Santa Clause, and of course, plenty of prizes and goodies to giveaway. 

The South East Melbourne side are also paying tribute to Victoria’s Emergency Services with an activation on the concourse and a few representatives from Fire Victoria, Victoria Police and SES to deliver the game ball.

The Phoenix are coming off a massive 12-point win over cross-town rivals Melbourne United that saw the side climb back into the top six.

It was a comeback game for the ages with the Phoenix down by as many as 15 points in the first half before the momentum spikes of Matt Hurt, Nathan Sobey and Derrick Walton Jr, lifted the Phoenix towards the win.

It’s also a special night also for Kiwi Tom Vodanovich who will suit up for his 150th NBL game on Saturday night.

Another subplot of the game will be the return of Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell to John Cain Arena, after earning suspensions after a crowd stoush in their clash with Melbourne United. 

Mike Wells’s side are coming off a 17-point win over the New Zealand Breakers as they fight towards a top-six position.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will regain Matt Kenyon who missed the Throwdown due to illness.

36ers

The 36ers will be without Dejan Vasiljevic (hamstring) and Sunday Dech (hamstring) for Saturday night’s game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Derrick building to his best

Fans got to see the magic of the NBL23 Championship series MVP last outing. Coming off the bench, the American was a standout in the second half of the Throwdown recording 14 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the win.

Hunter and Wiesy SLAMMING it down with authority! 🔥

📺 ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/vLPdrns1hg

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) October 3, 2024

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 8-10 36ers

Last time out – Rd3, NBL25
Phoenix 83-93 36ers

Phoenix
Hurt 32p
Lewis 14p
Walton Jr 10p

36ers
Vasiljevic 22p
Humphries 22p
Davis 21p

GAME DAY HUB

There is so much happening for Phoenix’s first-ever open roof game for their Christmas Spectacular on Saturday night. CLICK HERE or the image below so you don’t miss any of the action from doors opening.