Game Preview: Phoenix Host Undefeated Hawks in the Heartland

Opponent: The Hawks

When: Sunday, Feb 7 – 3:00pm AEDT

Where: State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South

Broadcast: SBS Viceland, SBS On Demand, Twitch, NBL TV

Tickets: SOLD OUT

Live Updates: @SEMelbPhoenix on Twitter

Brian Goorjian’s undefeated Hawks arrive in the Heartland to face a Phoenix side hungry to perform in front of their home crowd for the first time in 12 months.

The Hawks enter the game in scorching form with a 4-0 record but are yet to defeat the Phoenix, losing all three matchups last season.

It’s the first of three consecutive games at the State Basketball Centre for the Phoenix before staying in Melbourne for another month as part of the NBL Cup.

A win would give the home side strong momentum heading into what is shaping up as a great opportunity to get some wins early in the season.

(A number of Phoenix players will be making their home debuts, including Cam Gliddon and Keifer Sykes)

SQUAD

Adam Gibson (calf) has been ruled out as a precautionary measure. He’ll be reevaluated ahead of next week’s game against Perth on Thursday. Izayah Le'Afa will be his replacement.

Dane Pineau (back) remains out.

ASSISTANT COACH JUDD FLAVELL:

“We’ve been hanging out to play in front of our home crowd so I know the boys will be itching to get on the court here at the State Basketball Centre where we train, in the middle of the Heartland.

“The Hawks are the in-form team at 4-0. We respect every team and especially The Hawks who will be riding high on confidence…they’ll be walking in here with the mindset that they can win it. At the same time we don’t fear them. We’ll make sure we do our homework and come in well prepared.

“It’s good to have Goorj (Brian Goorjian) back in Melbourne as well. The way he’s got his troops playing, we’re certainly coming into this one with a good amount of respect.”

BEN MOORE:

“It’s been a long journey getting here but just like coach Judd said, it’s going to be good to back in the Heartland and just being in our own gym and getting to interact with our home fans a little bit, I’m excited about that.

“I heard they get a little rowdy, they’re some good fans.”

PLAYER TO WATCH

Hometown hero Kyle Adnam loves to put on a show in front of his home crowd in the Heartland and enters the game in hot form off the bench.

The guard averages the third most points on the Phoenix and the third most free throws in the entire NBL.

OPPOSITION REPORT

Local guns Deng Adel and Cam Bairstow have missed time through injury but are both chances to return in Sunday’s game.

The Hawks’ imports have been starring early in NBL21. Guard Tyler Harvey has been one of the premier scorers in the league while forward Justin Simon is an early contender for defensive player of the year.

Golden State Warriors rookie Justinian Jessup is playing as a Next Star on The Hawks this season and is an elite shooter.

Assistant coach Judd Flavell said: “Tyler Harvey’s been in some hot form. Every team has a focal point on the offensive end and he is for them. He’s a silky lefty, so something different. Justinian Jessup is another lefty who’s shooting the ball really well.

“Deng Adel is another name to watch out for. He’s been limited with injuries but expect him to be healthy for this one, he’s a good athlete.

“They’re just playing with that confidence where everyone knows their role. It’ll be a good challenge, they’re certainly playing well at this stage.”

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 3 Hawks 0

NBL20:

Phoenix def Hawks 106-102

Phoenix def Hawks 112-102

Phoenix def Hawks 90-82

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (06/02/2021)