It all comes down to the Throwdown

In what shapes up to be a massive game for both sides, the Phoenix will be chasing a victory as they attempt to give themselves a double chance in the event of a Kings or 36ers loss. Meanwhile, United will be desperate for a win in hopes of leapfrogging Perth into 4th spot.

United lead the season series 2-1, but Josh King and the Phoenix will be eager to level the score in Melbourne’s cross-town rivalry, against a United squad that will be missing reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Shea Ili.

The Phoenix, who will enjoy either a 2 or 3-week break based on Throwdown 32’s result, will aim to keep momentum rolling before some hard-earned rest.

King, when asked about his side’s efforts against Tasmania, made it very clear what he needed from his guys in Thursday’s season-shaping clash.

“We need to play good basketball going into the finals,” King stated.

“Our energy and effort level was good… but we got to be quicker to understand when someone’s got it going or what we need to do to be better on defence.”

“I’m never going to be satisfied with my guys on that side of the floor. That's my job.”

United, who suffered a tough loss at home to Illawarra, will look to ride the strong form of imports Tyson Walker and Milton Doyle as they try to cause an upset at John Cain Arena.

In a game that saw United “lose the moments”, as described by stand-in coach Rhys Carter, the star duo combined for 51 of United’s total 91 points in the loss.

“He starts our offence with an advantage,” Carter said in reference to Walker.

“We ask a lot of him… but we think he’s that good. It’s what we need.”

Dean Vickerman is also expected to return to the sideline for United after suffering a ruptured appendix during the road trip in Cairns over the weekend.

A Throwdown with huge finals implications? You don’t want to miss this – catch the Phoenix in action tonight, live on ESPN from 7:30 pm.