Heartland Hustle: Phoenix V Taipans in Final Home Game

Phoenix returned to the top six in Round 16 after winning by 21 points over the Wildcats on Sunday afternoon.

In their last home game for the regular season, Phoenix will be looking to end it on a high when they take on the Taipans in a “mini-final” at the State Basketball Centre Wednesday night.

The Taipans are sitting 2nd on the ladder but had a disappointing loss to the JackJumpers on Friday night. 

Phoenix will be hoping to secure a win on Wednesday to keep their finals chances alive, as the fight for the final five spots in the top six is as close as it can get.

(Phoenix will meet the second placed Taipans on Wednesday night.)

Key Details
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 14-12 (6th) v CAIRNS TAIPANS 16-8 (2nd)
Where: State Basketball Centre
When: Wednesday, January 25 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

The Line Up

Phoenix

Phoenix will be without sharpshooter Ryan Broekhoff who injured his groin late in the fourth quarter in Sunday's win against the Wildcats. He will miss the next 2-3 weeks after scans revealed a grade 1 groin strain. Owen Foxwell will replace him.

Taipans

Taipan's guard Mirko Djeric has not travelled with the team and will miss the game due to illness.

The Key Match Up

Alan Williams vs Keanu Pinder

In a battle of the boards, Pinder and Williams will go toe-to-toe in the paint on Wednesday night.

Sitting in 1st and 2nd place in the league for rebounds per game, Pinder (9.6rpg) and Williams (9.4rpg) will be the match-up fans will be excited to watch in the Heartland to kick off Round 17.

Williams has continued to dominate on the court at both ends, being the Phoenix's brick wall around the rim on the defensive end. He had his twelfth double-double for the season in Sunday's win with 27 points and 14 rebounds to spur the 'Nix' on to victory against the Wildcats. 

Pinder had a quiet return from injury against the JackJumpers after a lengthy period on the sidelines, but the MVP contender is sure to show what he is known for at both ends of the court tomorrow night with a game now under his belt.

(Phoenix had two big wins over the JackJumpers and Wildcats in Round 16.)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head:
South East Melbourne Phoenix 6-6 Cairns Taipans

Last time out – Rd 14, NBL23
Phoenix 85–94 Taipans

Phoenix
Creek 25p
Broekhoff 17p
Williams 16p

Taipans
McCall 24p
Scott 19p
Hogg 16p

The Difference Makers

Trey Kell

With Broekhoff out of the side due to injury, Kell will need to fill the void he leaves against the Taipans. Kell's ability to lock down on the opposition's guards has been a key definer for the import, but he will need to take on more of a scoring roll in the upcoming game to ease the load on the other starters in the absence of his sharpshooting teammate.

Tahjere McCall

McCall has been a critical guard for the Taipans over a couple of seasons, but how he can lock down the opposition similar to Kell and make it difficult for his opponent to score is a key to his game. McCall has yet to have significant numbers this season, but his one percenters are essential for his team.

(Phoenix will host their fourth sold-out home game in a row on Wednesday night.)

The Entertainment

Dors Open at 6pm

Round 17 sees the launch of the NBL’s inaugural Champion Pride Round. All courts will display the Champion's Pride Progress flag x 'C' logo, and all players will be invited to wear jerseys featuring that same logo. The round is to promote, celebrate and give thanks to the LGBTQ community, while showcasing basketball as a sport striving to provide a safe, healthy, and accessible environment for all. 

A possibility of TWO MG's will be given away tomorrow night.

Five lucky members have been chosen to win an MG ZS, thanks to our Phoenix Rewards program powered by Ringwood MG. Members were able to accumulate entries to go into the draw to be selected to win a brand new MG ZS by attending games. Tomorrow night we WILL give away the car to one lucky fan.

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

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!

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 at SBC, with overflow parking available at the Church off High Street Road. Consider carpooling with friends or family to the game.

Phoenix Media (24/1/23)