Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Near Full Strength

After starting the NBL Blitz with a win over the Sydney Kings, the Phoenix fell to a full-strength Illawarra Hawks outfit in overtime in their second game to start the pre-season with a 1-1 record.

Tonight they take on the New Zealand Breakers with their strongest lineup to date and will be looking to get back in the winner's circle.

(Xavier Munford brings the ball up against the Hawks.)

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Dane Pineau and Cam Gliddon will suit up for their first games of the NBL Blitz, while Mitch Creek returns after being rested after rolling his against the Kings. DP Owen Foxwell will sit out tonight's game.

After his 17-point 12 rebound performance Monday night, centre Zhou Qi will look to continue to improve, as will captain Kyle Adnam who recorded 16 points and 12 assists against the Hawks.

(Kyle Adnam has started the pre-season in terrific form.)

OPPOSITION SCOUT

The Breakers Blitz record also sits at 1-1 after going down to United in their first pre-season game, but bouncing back strongly against the Kings on Thursday.

Breakers centre Yanni Wetzell is expected to play and will suit up against his old team for the first time.

“Everyone needs warm-up games, and the Blitz is essential for us,” Breakers coach Dan Shamir said “I wouldn’t say results don’t matter because we want to set a good tone, so from the outset, we will be trying our best.”

(Zhou Qi has impressed all watchers so far this pre-season.)

KEY DETAILS

To watch the game sign up to a Kayo account, all NBL Blitz games are being broadcast free via Kayo Freebies.

TIP-OFF 5:30pm AEDT.

Where: Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Broadcast: Kayo Freebies.

Phoenix Media (20/11/2021)