DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix ready to light up Ignite Cup against JackJumpers

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (10-5) 3rd vs TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS (6-10) 7th
Where: Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, Traralgon
When: Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

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The Phoenix are the only NBL team yet to begin their in-season tournament campaign, but on Wednesday night they will finally tip off their Ignite Cup journey against the Tasmania JackJumpers in Gippsland.

The JackJumpers currently sit fifth on the Ignite Cup ladder as they head into their third Cup game.

Josh King’s side are coming off an important win over crosstown rivals Melbourne United on Sunday, recording their biggest-ever victory over their neighbours.

Tasmania, meanwhile, fell to the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday night in Round 11, going down by 14 points.

The last time the two sides met was back in Round 8, where the Phoenix clinched a one-point win in Launceston after a fierce battle. Wednesday night is shaping up to be another thriller.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Owen Foxwell will miss the Tasmania game with a corked thigh. He will be re-evaluated for the Saturday game. Pat Ryan will replace him. 

Malique Lewis has sustained a hamstring injury with a projected timeline around his return to be confirmed. He will miss the Round 11 games against Tasmania and New Zealand.

JackJumpers

The JackJumpers will go in unchanged to tomorrow's game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Akech Aliir

The 204cm centre had a standout Round 11 for the Phoenix, emerging as a valuable asset behind co-captain Jordi Hunter. Aliir has found his stride—recording nine points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks in the Illawarra overtime loss, before backing it up against his old side United with seven points, eight rebounds and a massive four blocks in the Throwdown win.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-3 JackJumpers

Last time out – Rd8, NBL26
Phoenix 103-102 JackJumpers

Phoenix
Sobey 28p
Lewis 23p
Foxwell 15p

JackJumpers
Hamilton 36p
Deng 17p
Bannan 15p

GAME DAY HUB

Coming to the game in Gippsland? Make sure you are across everything happening at the game by CLICKING HERE or the image below.