DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix travel to the Apple Isle to take on JackJumpers

Key Details

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS (5-5) 5th v. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (6-2) 2nd
Where: Silverdome, Tasmania
When: Thursday, November 11 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

The Phoenix are coming off a five-point win over the Wildcats on Sunday afternoon as they head into Thursday’s clash with the JackJumpers.

The last time the two sides met was in NBL25, when the Phoenix set a franchise record with 116 points, but both teams have a new look heading into this matchup.

It will also mark the first time the Phoenix face former teammate Ben Ayre, now a JackJumper, who will be eager to make an impact against his old side.

Scott Roth’s team are coming off an upset loss to the Cairns Taipans by six points on Saturday, extending their losing streak at the Silverdome.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Angus Glover will miss round 8 due to an ankle injury sustained last round, an estimated timeframe for his return will be determined in the next few days. Development player Pat Ryan will replace him in the side.

JackJumpers

Anthony Drmic (back complaint) will miss the game on Thursday.

KEEP AN EYE ON

The brick walls: John Brown III & Malique Lewis

The defensive duo of John Brown III and Next Star Malique Lewis have become synonymous with the Phoenix’s defensive identity. Brown III currently ranks third in the league for steals, while Lewis sits seventh, helping the Phoenix lead the NBL in steals with 10.4 per game.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 9-3 JackJumpers

Last time out – Rd18, NBL25
Phoenix 116-80 JackJumpers

Phoenix
Hurt 29p
Wieskamp 20p
Foxwell 14p

JackJumpers
Crawford 18p
Te Rangi 14p
Steindl 11p