Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Need to Bounce Back Against Kings in Gippsland

South East Melbourne Phoenix meet the reigning champion Sydney Kings for the first time this season on Sunday in Gippsland in a game that doubles as their Indigenous Round game.

After a disappointing loss in the final Throwdown of the season on Thursday night, Phoenix will look to bounce back against the top-of-the-ladder Kings.

The Kings remain first on the ladder with a win over the Illawarra Hawks on Friday night by seven-points.

(This will be the first time this season, Phoenix and Kings will meet.)

Key Details
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 10-7 (4th) v SYDNEY KINGS 10-4 (1st)
Where: Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, Traralgon
When: Sunday, December 18 at 2pm AEDT
Watch LIVE and FREE on 10 Peach, ESPN, Kayo

The Line Up

Phoenix

As this is a home game, both Owen Foxwell and Anzac Rissetto will suit up.

Kings

Kings will go into Sunday’s game as they lined up on Friday night.

The Key Match Up

Mitch Creek v Xavier Cooks

The two forwards are both among the favourites for the league MVP award; this will be the first time they have gone head-to-head this season.

Creek averages 22.88 points a game at 51%, 6.29 rebounds and 2.65 assists.

Cooks is putting up 16.69 points, 8.54 rebounds and 3.92 assists.

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head: 
South East Melbourne Phoenix 1-10 Sydney Kings

Last time out – Rd 15, NBL22
Phoenix 89–91 Kings 

Phoenix
Munford 26p
Creek 17p
Ashley 13p

Kings
Martin 24p
Vasiljevic 15p
Adamas 15p

(Phoenix will wear their Indigenous jerseys on Sunday, designed by Yankunyjatjara and Wirangu woman Shelley Ware.)

The Difference Makers

Ryan Broekhoff

Broekhoff had a quiet offensive night Thursday and will be looking to turn that around on Sunday.

Dejan Vasiljevic 

Vasiljevic is averaging 12 points and 4 assists on the season but is a threat from any range inside half-court.

The Entertainment

Doors Open – 12:30pm

CLICK HERE to see what is in store for Phoenix’s Indigenous Game.

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 get the chance to shoot a half-court shot for a brand-new MG.

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

(Phoenix are playing their second game in the regular season of NBL in Gippsland.)

How to Get to the GRISS

Make sure to get there early to minimise the wait time when scanning into the venue. Please pre-download your tickets to your Apple Wallet or G-Pay to save time. 

See below for parking, as parking is limited.

Very limited tickets still remain for tomorrow. CLICK HERE to secure your seat.

Phoenix Media (17/12/22)