Heartland Hustle: Phoenix face Adelaide for the First Time this Season

This will be the first time this season, Phoenix and the 36ers meet, with their previous game which was set for earlier this year being postponed due to Covid protocols. 

Phoenix are coming off a massive win over the Wildcats where as Adelaide are hoping to redeem themselves after a tough loss to the Kings.

Check out the latest from both sides.

(The last time the two sides met was in Round 14 in NBL21.)

Key Details
ADELAIDE 36ERs 5-9 (8th)  v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX  10-5 (2nd) 
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
When: Friday March 4, 7.30pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel 
 
The Teams
 
Phoenix
The Phoenix have been rolling the last two games recording back to back wins. With a full squad together the boys from the South East are starting to build some serious momentum. 

Saturday's win over the Wildcats gave the Phoenix some separation on the ladder, a follow up victory over the 36ers would help solidify second spot, as the team push towards top spot.

36ers
Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton will miss both games for the 36ers this round due to covid protocols and assistant coach Jamie Pearlman will be in charge for the first time in his career. 

Pearlman becomes the third fill-in coach this season due to covid protocols and all have involved the Phoenix. 

(Ashley will have a tough battle against Johnstone on Friday night.)
 
Players to Watch
 
Brandon Ashley v Daniel Johnson

A mobile big man Johnson has done his best Dirk Nowitzki impersonation against the Phoenix on more than one occasion. But in Ashley the Phoenix have someone with the size and agility to make life difficult for Johnson.

When he has stayed out of foul trouble Ashley has been almost impossible to stop on the offensive end, while being a major contributor on the defensive end.

Last 5
Phoenix: LWLWW
36ers: WLWLL
 
The Stats
Phoenix
Points: M Creek, 21.1 ppg (#2 in NBL)
Rebounds: R Broekhoff, 7.1rpg
Assists: X Munford, 4apg
Blocks: Z Qi, 2.4bpg (#2 in NBL)
Steals: R Broekhoff, 1.7spg
 
36ers
Points: D Johnson 14.5ppg
Rebounds: C Bairstow 9rpg
Assists: M McCarron 5.4apg
Blocks:  Kai Sotto 0.9bpg
Steals: M McCarron 1.6spg

(Phoenix will be wearing their Indigenous jersey designed by Katie bugde for the NBL's Indigenous Round.)
 
The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head: 3 - 6
South East Melbourne Phoenix - Adelaide 36ers 
 
Last Time Out 
This is the first meeting between the 36ers and the Phoenix for NBL22.
 
Quotes

"We know this is a vital part of the season for us, we're sitting in a nice spot right now but we can't get comfortable or complement. Adelaide for the first time this season, which seems crazy to say,  they have a great roster and I think there bigs are going top be the key. For us taking Bairstow and Johnson out of it will be the key."
-Phoenix player, Mitch Creek

(Phoenix will be looking to keep their winning streak going.)

"Everyone we play coming up is in the top 4, Phoenix then Perth, both great teams, great talent on both sides of the ball and we need to come with some great energy."
-36ers Head Coach, CJ Burton

Phoenix Media (3/3/22)