Heartland Hustle: Red Army Looms as Phoenix Travel West

With the NBL returning from the FIBA break, teams are ready to get back into gear for the remainder of the season.

South East Melbourne Phoenix are ready to get back on track after their loss to Melbourne United in round 6. While Perth Wildcats broke their five-game losing streak by getting the win over Adelaide 36ers last round.

Key Details

PERTH WILDCATS 4-5 (7th) v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX  5-4 (4th)
Where: RAC Arena
When: Thursday, November 17 at 9:30pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

(Phoenix travel west after the FIBA break to start their round 7.)

The Line Up

Phoenix

Phoenix will regain two of their leaders in Ryan Broekhoff (hamstring) and Kyle Adnam (covid) after their late withdrawals before Throwdown XVII.

Zhou Qi will miss the game due to a calf injury he sustained a fortnight ago. Zhou has been travelling with China, supporting his country and teammates from the sidelines during the FIBA qualifiers. A timeline on his return to the court will be established once he can be assessed upon his arrival back at the Phoenix. Tohi Smith-Milner will be the replacement player for him.

Development players Owen Foxwell and Anzac Rissetto will not travel with the team to Perth.

Wildcats

Kyle Zunic will miss tonight’s game for the Wildcats after suffering a hamstring strain at practice. Michael Harris will take his place in the side.

The Key Match Up

Alan Williams v Brady Manek

‘Big Sauce’ has found his footing in the NBL and in the Phoenix line-up. Williams has provided energy and impact to the Nix at both ends of the floor. He recorded 30 points and 14 rebounds (six offensive, eight defensive) in his last outing against United in round 6 and will be looking to replicate that against the Wildcats tonight.

Manek has had a slow start to the NBL but finally found his groove in the Wildcats’ win over the 36ers where he scored 25 points.

(Williams has found his footing in the NBL after having his second double-double against United last round.)

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head:
South East Melbourne Phoenix 5-7 Perth Wildcats

Last time out – Rd 5, NBL23
Phoenix 91–90 Wildcats

Phoenix
Creek 22p
Broekhoff 18p
Williams 12p

Wildcats
Cotton 27p
Travers 19p
Thomas 14p

The Difference Makers

Ryan Broekhoff

With Broekhoff being a late out only minutes before Throwdown XVII, his return just one game later is a huge relief for Phoenix. The co-captain has proved pivotal to the team on the court, with the Phoenix being +16.4 per 36 mins with him in the side, compared to +8.8 when he is out of the side.

Broekhoff's leadership, defence, and ability to hit clutch threes will be a bonus for tonight's clash.

Bryce Cotton

When the two sides last met a few weeks ago, Cotton carried much of the load for the Wildcats, playing 39 of the 40-minute game, leading the Wildcats in points. As good as Cotton is, the Wildcats are more dangerous when he has help.

(Broekhoff will make his return on limited minutes after missing Throwdown XVII due to a hamstring niggle.)

Quotes 

“We’re 1-0 so hopefully we can continue that streak. We’ve been playing really well over there (Perth) throughout the last couple of seasons. It’s always a big challenge, the red army comes out and supports them really well and it’s a great atmosphere to play in front of but hopefully we can come away with a win.” – Ryan Broekhoff

CLICK HERE for ticket's to Phoenix's home Throwdown on Saturday at 5:30pm. 

Phoenix Media (17/11/22)