DREWITTS BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Set to Write New Throwdown History

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (0-1) 7th vs MELBOURNE UNITED (1-0) 2^nd
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Thursday, September 26 at 7:30pm AEST
EVERY GAME LIVE ON ESPN VIA KAYO 

ONLY GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS REMAIN FOR THURSDAY'S GAME!

It's been 222 days since the Phoenix returned to the Fire Pit at John Cain Arena, and with a new-look squad, coach Mike Kelly hopes to make the Fire Pit a fortress in NBL25.

The pre-season Throwdown was just a teaser for what is to come this season between the two Melbourne sides. A brand new-look roster for the Phoenix will get a taste of basketball's biggest rivalry as we take on Melbourne United in Throwdown XXV.

United’s line-up remains similar to the one that fell short in the championship series just six months ago, adding former United players Marcus Lee and Jack White back into the fold.

The Phoenix went down by eight points to the Wildcats in the opening round at HoopsFest. 

Mike Kelly told Phoenix Media that there wasn’t any concern with the side’s ability to score, but defence would need to be tightened moving forward.

United started their NBL25 season with a win in the grand final re-match against the JackJumpers, with Matthew Dellavedova and Shea Illi combining for 35 points. 

The Throwdown may be the main event, but the show starts at 7pm as the Phoenix honour outgoing captain Mitch Creek as he Relights the Fire Pit to tip-off the Phoenix NBL25 season.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Matt Kenyon will not suit up for the Throwdown due to a lacerated foot. He will be replaced by Luke Rosendale.

United

United will go into Thursday’s game with a full squad.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Ex-NBA Stars Lighting up the Fire Pit

With a game under their belt, Phoenix’s imports will flow more easily into the NBL style when they take the floor on Thursday night. Forward Matt Hurt already showed what he can bring at both ends of the court, claiming his first NBL double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Joe Wieskamp contributed 12 points in his NBL debut, while Derrick Walton Jr was dishing out dimes and named Phoenix’s player of the game with 13 points and eight assists. The trio of imports will excite Phoenix fans throughout NBL25.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 6-15 United

Last time out – Rd18, NBL24
Phoenix 83-99 United

Phoenix
Nader 18p
Foxwell 14p
Ayre 13p

United
Lual-Acuil Jr 16p
Cameron 15p
Clark 14p

Four clutch threes, what a finish! And we've got every angle of it right here! 🎥

What will we expect for the real deal on September 26? 🔥

🎟️ https://t.co/4zbe6pDjrA pic.twitter.com/6RapzjjFSS

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

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