Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Look for New Year Win in Hobart

After playing three games in just six days before Christmas, Phoenix earned a much-deserved break over the holiday period.

It wasn't all presents, turkey and ham, though, as the team continued to train in preparation for today's clash against the JackJumpers.

The opportunity for a break between games allowed Phoenix to recover and rest after suiting up just ten players on Christmas Eve following injuries to key starters Gary Browne, Ryan Broekhoff and Alan Williams.

Down on numbers, the Phoenix fought out a tough match against the 36ers, eventually going down by six points.

The Phoenix re-gain centre Alan Williams for today's clash, but Browne and Broekhoff remain out.

The JackJumpers are coming off a loss to the Kings less than 48 hours ago at Qudos Bank Arena and will be looking to get back on the winner's list on their home court.

(Phoenix will regain Williams for their New Years clash against the JackJumpers today.)

Key Details
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 10-9 (7th) v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 12-8 (3rd)
Where: MyState Bank Arena
When: Sunday, January 1 at 2pm AEDT
Watch LIVE and FREE on 10 Peach, ESPN, Kayo

The Line Up

Phoenix

Phoenix regain Alan Williams who has successfully recovered from an ankle sprain he picked up during the win against the Bullets.

Gary Browne, Ryan Broekhoff remain out due to injury while Zhou Qi has returned home to China for family reasons.

Owen Foxwell (DP), Anzac Rissetto (DP) and Tohi-Smith Milner (NRP) come into the side to cover the losses.

JackJumpers

The JackJumpers go into today’s clash with a fully healthy roster.

The Key Match Up

Junior Madut v Josh Magette

Madut has stepped into the starting lineup after injuries to Browne and Broekhoff, who have missed the last two games. Madut has played solidly at both ends of the floor. 

Magette is the JackJumper's floor general and leads the team in assists with an average of four per game. Madut and the other guards will be tasked with minimising Magette's effectiveness.

(Phoenix will hope to get back on the winner's list after a hard fought battle against the 36ers on Xmas Eve last year.)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head: 
South East Melbourne Phoenix 3-1 Tasmania JackJumpers 

Last time out – Rd 1, NBL23
Phoenix 84–79 JackJumpers 

Phoenix
Adnam 30p
Creek 23p
Williams 12p

JackJumpers
McVeigh 20p
Kelly 18p
Doyle 13p

The Difference Makers

Mitch Creek

The current league MVP favourite is averaging 23 points, two assists and six rebounds per game. Over the last three games, he is averaging 33ppg. The Phoenix co-captain is leading from the front, and this season when the boys from the Heartland need a bucket, they turn to number 55.

Milton Doyle

Doyle averages 17 points, two assists, and five rebounds a game. He's JackJumper's most potent offensive weapon; limiting his impact will go a long way to dictating the outcome of this game.

(Creek will look to continue his hot form into the New Year.)

Very limited tickets still remain for the three home games in January at SBC. CLICK HERE to not miss out!

Phoenix Media (1/1/23)