DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Ready for Battle for Throwdown XXVI

Key Details

MELBOURNE UNITED (4-2) 3rd v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (0-5) 10^th
Where: John Cain Arena
When: Sunday, October 20 at 2:30pm AEDT
Watch: Live & Free on 10 Bold & 10 Play | ESPN via Kayo

The Phoenix will be led by interim head coach Sam MacKinnon for his first game on Sunday when they take on crosstown rivals Melbourne United.

This will be the two Melbourne sides’ second meeting for the season. United has the upper hand, winning Throwdown XXV by 12 points, while the Phoenix are still searching for their first win for the NBL25 season after starting 0-5.

Import forward Matt Hurt has been a surprise packet for the Phoenix. He is currently in equal position for leading points alongside NBL24 MVP Bryce Cotton, who averages 22 points per game. 

Next Star Malique Lewis continues to climb in the NBA Draft projections, having his first NBL start against Brisbane in the last round, where he recorded eight points and four rebounds.

United are coming off a massive 27-point win over the Adelaide 36ers as they look to soar to the top two ladder position by the end of the round.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will go into Sunday's game with a full squad. As it is an away game, development players Luke Fennell and Luke Rosendale will not suit up.

United

United will be without Shea Illi due to a calf injury, he will be replaced by DP Joel Foxwell.

KEEP AN EYE ON

A determined Phoenix squad

An eight-day break between games and a strong week on the court under interim head coach Sam Mackinnon will keep everyone's eyes on the Phoenix as they try to turn their season around after a 0-5 start.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 6-16 United 

Last time out – Rd2, NBL25
Phoenix 84-96 United 

Phoenix
Hurt 18p
Hunter 17p
Walton Jr 17p 

United
Goulding 19p
Dellavedova 18p
White 15p

The 3️⃣ party is on for Hurty and Sobey! 👌

📺 Watch live on ESPN via Kayo pic.twitter.com/QN6PrkkNLY

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) September 26, 2024