DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Top-of-the-table clash as Phoenix look to regroup in Adelaide

The Phoenix continue their road trip from Perth toAdelaide, taking on the 36ers as they look to bounce back in South Australia.

Key Details

ADELAIDE 36ERS (21-7) 1st vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (19-9) 3rd
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
When: Saturday, January 31 at 5:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

The Phoenix continue their Round 19 road trip after a disappointing loss in Perth on Wednesday night.

Despite the result, co-captain Nathan Sobey led the way with a game-high 28 points, while Defensive Player of the Year contender John Brown III produced a monster performance, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds and four steals.

Josh King’s side will be eager to respond in Adelaide in a top-of-the-table clash as they continue their push to secure a top-two finish.

The 36ers are coming off a dominant 33-point win over the Brisbane Bullets on Wednesday night, a result that secured their place in theIgnite Cup Final. However, the victory came with late-game fireworks, including an on-court altercation that resulted in multiple ejections.

Adelaide will be out for revenge after the Phoenix handed them their first loss to a ladder-leading side this season, toppling the 36ers at HoopsFest.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix go in unchanged to Saturday’s game.

36ers

The 36ers will be without Nick Rakocevic who is serving a one-match ban after the sanction from the Brisbane vs Adelaide melee.

KEEP ANEYE ON

MVP contenders

Phoenix co-captain Nathan Sobey missed the previous head-to-head against fellow MVP contender Bryce Cotton due to illness, but Saturday night sets up a highly anticipated shootout between the two stars atAdelaide Entertainment Centre. Sobey is averaging 22.1 points per game this season, while Cotton leads the league at 25.4.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 12-13 36ers

Last timeout – Rd17, NBL26
Phoenix 108-89 36ers

Phoenix
Clark 27p
Hunter 20p
Foxwell 15p

36ers
Cotton 30p
Humphries 13p
Cheatham 12p