DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix ready for Throwdown finale with top-two spot in sight

The Phoenix take on crosstown rivals Melbourne United in Throwdown 32 in their final NBL26 regular season game.

Key Details

MELBOURNE UNITED (19-13) 5th vs. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (22-10) 3rd
Where: John Cain Arena
When: Thursday, February 19 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

Josh King’s side will be looking to end their regular season on a high note and strengthen their finals position when they face Melbourne United on Thursday night.

A win would see the Phoenix move back into the top two, with Friday night’s clash between the Perth Wildcats and Adelaide 36ers determining whether South East Melbourne finishes second or third, depending on the result.

South East Melbourne enter their final regular season game off the back of a 16-point win over the Tasmania JackJumpers. Melbourne United, meanwhile, are coming off a nine-point loss to the Illawarra Hawks and remain in fifth place on the ladder.

The last time the two sides met in December, the Phoenix secured their first win over United this season. King’s side led from start to finish and recorded their biggest winning margin and highest score against their rivals, despite missing young guns Owen Foxwell and Malique Lewis.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will go in unchanged to Thursday’s game.

United

United will go in unchanged to the game tomorrow.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Against his former team

Ian Clark will face his former side Melbourne United for the first time since joining the Phoenix. The guard has become a pivotal bench contributor since arriving in December, averaging 12.8 points across 13 games.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-21 United

Last time out – Rd11, NBL26
Phoenix 111-86 United

Phoenix
Sobey 25p
Brown III 14p
Iwundu 14p

United
Doyle 23p
Delany 13p
Walker 12p