MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix return to the Fire Pit to stop in-form Taipans

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (2-5) 9th vs CAIRNS TAIPANS (4-3) 5th

Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, October 17 at 5:30pm AEDT
Watch: 9Go! | 9Now | ESPN

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The Phoenix will look to overcome a difficult start to their NBL27 campaign when they return home to the Fire Pit on Saturday night.

A disappointing loss in Brisbane on Thursday night gives Josh King’s side the chance to respond in front of their Phoenix faithful at John Cain Arena against the in-form Cairns Taipans.

Angus Glover was a shining light for the Phoenix, scoring a game-high 27 points in the 10-point loss in Queensland.

Saturday night will also mark the return of former Phoenix Next Star Malique Lewis, who will run out in orange at the Heartland for the first time. The familiar face will present a challenge for his former teammates as they look to contain the defensive prowess of the 21-year-old.

The Taipans come into the clash on a three-game winning streak, with the Nathan Sobey-led Phoenix looking to bring that run to an end on Saturday night.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Tanner Krebs will be a game-time decision for tomorrow's game due to a neck injury sustained in the Brisbane game. Jordan Hunter will return to the team after missing the trip to Brisbane due to the birth of his baby boy.

Hunter Goodrick will remain on the sidelines for the Round 5 games as he recovers from knee pain. He will be replaced by DP Ellis Biggar.

Taipans

The Taipans will remain without Sunday Dech (hamstring) and Jaylin Galloway (shoulder) for their Round 5 clash.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Next Star Clash

Two of the league’s Next Stars in NBL27 will go head-to-head on Saturday night at John Cain Arena, with the Phoenix’s Dash Daniels facing the Taipans’ Luke Paul.

Best mates off the court and aged 18 and 17 respectively, the pair will be looking to make an impact for their respective teams on Saturday night.

Daniels is currently averaging 13 points, five rebounds and two assists per game, while Paul has played just two games so far this season after returning from an ankle injury. The young Taipan will be eager to show the league what he can do as he builds back into the season.

HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 15–8 Taipans

Last time out – Rd 18, NBL26
Phoenix 118 – 91 Taipans

Phoenix
Glover 22p
Iwundu 21p
Clark 19p

Taipans
McVeigh 21p
Andrews 20p
Galloway 17p

GAME DAY HUB

Coming to the game on Saturday? Make sure you check out our up-to-date Game Day Hub. CLICK HERE or the image below for everything you need to know before heading to the Fire Pit.