Phoenix Take on 36ers in First Game of NBL21

The recent border restrictions imposed on Victoria and NSW have forced the NBL to review the opening rounds of NBL21, the Phoenix will now open their season on the road against the Adelaide 36ers on January 16, at 5.30pm.

In order to be in a position to move quickly and stay ahead of any future border restrictions the NBL will release a two-week rolling schedule.

In the first two weeks of the season the Phoenix will play;

Round 1: Saturday January 16
Adelaide 36ers v South East Melbourne Phoenix, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, 5.30pm

Round 2: Friday January 22
Adelaide 36ers v South East Melbourne Phoenix Adelaide Entertainment Centre, 5.30pm

Round 2: Monday January 25
Cairns Taipans v South East Melbourne Phoenix, Cairns Pop Up, 7.30pm

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said: "We and the NBL are committed to delivering 14 homes games and pending the developing Covid-19 situation in Victoria are confident of delivering some of these prior to the NBL HUB. We can't wait to be back playing in front of the Heartland fans.”

(Kyle Adnam in action against Adelaide last season)

The NBL are committed to doing everything they can to ensure games are played in front of the biggest crowds possible.

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said: “I want to thank all of our clubs, players, officials and our fans for their patience and understanding as we have prepared for the season. We’ve always said this will be a season like no other and to expect the unexpected.

“We can also expect world class basketball, fierce rivalries and great entertainment in what will be the 43rd consecutive season of one of Australia’s favourite and longest running national sporting leagues."

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “We always knew we would have to respond to the challenges of COVID-19 and the travel restrictions that would be imposed by our various State Governments from time to time. This is why we proceeded on the basis of a rolling schedule, which will hopefully minimise the inconvenience for our teams and our fans.

“The changes we have made to the schedule ensure the season can get underway in a timely manner and that we can still play enough games prior to the beginning of the NBL Melbourne Hub and be confident of still being able to complete the season in June.

“We will wait and see how things progress around the country over the coming weeks before we finalise the schedule for the following three rounds leading into the NBL Cup in the Melbourne NBL Hub.

“These changes will give of our Australian based clubs the best opportunity to each play 14 home games across the season and be part of the NBL Cup in Melbourne starting on February 20.”

Greer said that beginning our season on the road would present some challenges, but that the team were focussed on tackling them head on.

“The team is ready and looking forward to getting into the heart of what will be a very unique season and making a run at the NBL21 title.”

Phoenix Media (06/01/2021)