MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to bounce back in home opener against Melbourne rivals

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (1-1) 4th vs MELBOURNE UNITED (0-1) 8th
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Thursday, September 24 at 7:30pm
Watch: ESPN

THIS GAME IS SOLD OUT!

The Phoenix return home from their round one road trip to Perth and Tasmania with a 1-1 record. After an impressive 21-point win over the Wildcats on Saturday night, they returned to the court just 48 hours later in Tasmania for a tale of two halves, with the JackJumpers ultimately securing a five-point win.

Josh King’s side will play their third game in six days when they return home to relight the Fire Pit for their home opener of NBL27. Inaugural Phoenix player Ben Madgen will have the honour of igniting the Phoenix’s NBL27 campaign pre-game before the team takes on cross-town rivals Melbourne United in Throwdown 33.

Melbourne United suffered a narrow two-point loss to the Adelaide 36ers in their opening game on Saturday and will be refreshed heading into Thursday’s game as they look to claim their first win of the season.

Under new head coach Jacob Chance, ex-NBA star Cole Anthony impressed with a 30-point debut and has vowed that United will not lose another game.

The two sides met in the pre-season, with the Phoenix getting the upper hand over their rivals. But now it’s the regular season, and with a few more games under each team’s belt, Thursday’s contest is set to be a fiery one on court ahead of the public holiday.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix welcome co-captain Nathan Sobey back for his first game of NBL27 after missing the round one games due to back tightness. DP Pat Ryan will also suit up for the game.

United

Shea Ili will remain out tomorrow's game due to a hamstring injury. He will be replaced by Austin Shelley.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Dash Daniels and Tanner Krebs up against their former side

It will be a test for Next Star Dash Daniels and Tanner Krebs when they come up against their former side, Melbourne United, at John Cain Arena on Thursday night.

The pair combined for 49 points in the win against Perth and will look to use their knowledge of the United team when they face their former teammates.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-22 United

Last time out – Rd22, NBL26
Phoenix 91-95 United

Phoenix
Sobey 29p
Iwundu 17p
Clark 14p

United
Doyle 25p
Walker 23p
Edwards 17p

GAME DAY HUB

Coming to the game on Thursday night? Make sure you’re across what’s happening at the Fire Pit. CLICK HERE or the image below to stay up to date.