Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Look to Continue Winning Streak at Home

Coming off wins against Melbourne United, the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Illawarra Hawks will meet on Thursday night at John Cain Arena.

Phoenix currently has the best home-winning record coming into tomorrow night's game. They aim to get their sixth win at the Fire Pit.

The Hawks are coming off their second win as they look to kickstart their season with now having a healthy roster with the addition of Michael Frazier II.

(The last time the two sides met, Phoenix had a big win for Mitch Creek's 300th NBL game.)

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 8-6 (4th) v ILLAWARRA HAWKS 2-10 (9th)
Where: John Cain Arena
When: Thursday, December 8 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

The Line-Up

Phoenix

Phoenix will re-gain their final piece of their roster with the return of big man, Zhou Qi. Zhou has been recovering from a calf injury with his last game he played was October 30.

Hawks

Hawks will go in unchanged, with the exception of Daniel Grida, who is still recovering from injury.

(Zhou will play his first game since coming back from injury tomorrow night.)

The Key Match Up

Gary Browne v Peyton Siva

Browne is the man who gets the Phoenix offence rolling; he currently leads the league in assists, dishing out 7.5 a game.

Coming in a close second is Siva, who is averaging 7.2 apg.

The two-floor generals will go a long way to deciding the game's outcome.

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head:
South East Melbourne Phoenix 9-5 Illawarra Hawks

Last time – Rd 8, NBL23
Phoenix 112 – 78 Hawks

Phoenix
Creek 27p
Kell 24p
Williams 21p

Hawks
Harvey 17p
Frazier II 17p
Siva 10p

(Browne is leading the league in assists.)

The Difference Makers

Trey Kell

Kell is arguably the best two-way player in the NBL; his work on the defensive end has been elite. Offensively he has picked his moments and been highly efficient with his ball use. A big game offensively feels like it's just around the corner.

Tyler Harvey

Harvey is the Hawk's primary offensive weapon; when he's going from beyond the arc, he is almost impossible to stop, and his range makes him a danger anytime he gets over halfway.

What's Happening at the Fire Pit

Doors Open – at 6:30pm

Fans can purchase $1 Proud & Punch ice creams from the following outlets whilst they're open: Cleaver & Coop, Food Market West and Food Market East.

Watch our crew with your crew; group bookings are available now. CLICK HERE to book now. 

Make sure you get involved in our Firestarter moment just before tip-off. All Phoenix fans, get off your seats and make some noise as the game starts. Stay on your feet until the band stops playing and sing along. Bring the energy!

At three-quarter time, one lucky fan will shoot a half-court shot for the chance to win a brand-new MG.

If you attend the game and are a Phoenix member, you will get 500 entries for the chance to win an MG at the final home game of the season.

(People who attend tomorrow night's game will be able to get $1 ice creams at any food stall at JCA.)

How to Get to the Fire Pit

Please plan your trip to John Cain Arena HERE.

Pre-book your parking at the Eastern Car Park. CLICK HERE to book.

If travelling via public transport, please note buses replace trains on sections of the Lilydale and Belgrave lines on Thursday night. To plan your journey, www.ptv.vic.gov.au

CLICK HERE to secure your seat tomorrow night's game against the Hawks.

Phoenix Media (7/12/22)