Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Starters Return Against Bullets

South East Melbourne Phoenix earned a well-deserved eight-day break since their last game against the Taipans in Cairns after 10 days on the road. They return home to the Heartland to play their first sold-out game at State Basketball Centre in nearly two years, tomorrow night. 

Phoenix have been hit with injury woes and illness over the past 3 weeks, but is set to be bolstered by the return of key imports Trey Kell and Gary Browne. MVP contender Mitch Creek will also play after avoiding a serious eye injury in the game against the Taipans a week ago.

Phoenix will have a near full roster (minus Zhou Qi) for the first time since Round 11 and will be hoping to return to the winner’s list tomorrow night in front of the Heartland fans against the Brisbane Bullets.

The Bullets are coming into this game after a 49 point loss against the Sydney Kings and 10-point loss to Melbourne United, as they come into their third game for the round.

(Phoenix will play in front of a sold out SBC tomorrow night as they take on the Bullets.)

Key Details
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 12-11 (6th) v BRISBANE BULLETS 5-17 (9th)
Where: State Basketball Centre
When: Monday, January 16 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

The Line Up

Phoenix

Phoenix will regain import duo Gary Browne (calf) and Trey Kell (knee) after recovering from their respective injuries. This will be the first time since Round 11 that Phoenix will have a full roster, minus Zhou Qi who returned home to China in late December for family reasons. Tohi Smith-Milner (NRP) will continue to replace him in the side

Bullets

The Bullets will be without Tanner Krebs due to an ankle injury, with Rasmus Bach replacing him.

The Key Match Up

Mitch Creek vs DJ Mitchell

The last time these two sides met, Mitchell had the task of guarding Creek to try and minimise his impact. He failed as Creek went onto score 29 points including an incredible 83 2P% and 9-11 from the free throw line.

DJ will likely get another crack at Creek tomorrow night, but the MVP contender has been in ripping form of late, and has his eye on repeating his performance from round 12 against the Bullets.

(Creek will suit up tomorrow night, after avoiding any serious damage to his eye he sustained against the Taipans a week ago.

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head: 
South East Melbourne Phoenix 7-5 Brisbane Bullets 

Last time out – Rd 12, NBL23
Phoenix 104–77 Bullets 

Phoenix
Creek 29p
Kell 17p
Adnam 14p

Bullets
Sobey 31p
Mitchell 14p
Baynes 14p

The Difference Makers

Gary Browne

Gary Browne returns to the side after missing three weeks with a calf injury. His presence will be an added relief for the side who has been down on guards in recent games after Kell went down on January 1 against the JackJumpers with a knee injury. Having both imports return to the backcourt will provide experience and leadership to the younger players on the team.

But what has been missed the most since Browne’s absense is his high IQ passing and playmaking that creates both shots for his teammates and himself. Browne’s handles and speed often get defending guards off balance, opening up the floor on the offensive end for a great look at the basket.

Tyler Johnson

Johnson has been one of the best players for the Bullets this season. When given space, he can create opportunities for his team and himself. This season Johnson has averaged 14 points, two assists, three rebounds, and 50% from field goals. 

(Browne will return to the side after missing three weeks due to a calf injury.)

The Entertainment

Doors Open at 6pm

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.

How to Get to SBC

With a high volume of cars and foot traffic, please consider the below for planning your trip to SBC:

- Plan to get to the stadium early and allow time to enter SBC.
 
- There will be limited car parking spaces. Consider carpooling with friends or family to the game. There will be extra parking spaces at the Church on High Street.

- Please note between High Street Eastlink entry to Ferntree Gully Road will be closed southbound for re-surfacing from 8pm-5am. Please take High Street to Stud Road and Ferntree Gully Road to return onto Eastlink.

Phoenix Media (15/01/23)