Phoenix Set Eyes on NBL Blitz

South East Melbourne Phoenix head the top end today as the NBL descends on Darwin for the Blitz.

The entire Phoenix roster, minus the one remaining spot, has only been together for a short period; the Blitz gives the team another opportunity to cement their chemistry on and off the court before the NBL23 season tip-off on October 1.

“We are super excited for the blitz, looking forward to getting a few more games under our belt before the season tip-off and building the chemistry between our group!” said Kyle Adnam.

(Phoenix will play three games in the NBL Blitz.)

Phoenix will be without Mitch Creek in Darwin as he still recovers from his ankle injury. 

Ryan Broekhoff, who injured his hamstring in the pre-season game against the Tasmania JackJumpers, will also miss the Blitz.

“I’m looking forward to getting up to Darwin and being active in the community. I’ve never been to Darwin, and the same goes for many of the guys; we have heard great things,” Adnam said.

Phoenix will play Adelaide 36ers in the first game for the Blitz before taking on Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings.

You can watch all games for free on Kayo Freebies, WATCH HERE

Game 1 vs Adelaide 36ers
Friday, September 16 at 8 pm AEST

The 36ers have had a busy off-season recruiting big names from rival NBL clubs with Robert Franks, Antonious Cleveland, Anthony Drmic, and Kyrin Galloway. They also retained Sunday Dech and Kai Sotto. 

A big signing for their team was Craig Randall II, fresh off a championship in the NBA Summer League.

Adelaide has already played two preseason games against Perth Wildcats, going down narrowly in both games.

(Phoenix imports Gary Browne and Alan 'Big Sauce' Williams will be set to impress in the Blitz.)

Game 2 vs Perth Wildcats
Monday, September 19 at 8 pm AEST

John Rillie will lead the Wildcats as their new coach. He is no stranger to the NBL, playing 481 games. They have also re-tooled with imports TaShawn Thomas and Brady Manek joining Perth favourite Bryce Cotton. 

Perth also gained Luke Travers back for the season after being drafted to the Cleveland Cavillers while adding Corey Webster to their roster. 

Game 3 vs Sydney Kings
Wednesday, September 21 at 5:30 pm AEST

The reigning champions have retained key members of their NBL22 championship team with Dejan Vasiljevic, Shaun Bruce and Xavier Cooks returning, but they lost NBL MVP Jaylen Adams to Euro League.

The Kings have added imports Derrick Walton Jr, Justin Simon, and Tim Soares.

You can watch all games for free on Kayo Freebies, WATCH HERE

(Junior Madut has been impressive in the preseason games against JackJumpers.)

Post the Blitz attention turns to the NBL23 opener against the JackJumpers on October 1 at the Fire Pit.

Buy your tickets now for Round 1 HERE

NBL23 Memberships are on Sale Now

Phoenix Media (15/9/22)