R11 Game Preview: Phoenix v United

Opponent: Melbourne United

When: Saturday March 27 – 8:00pm AEDT

Where: John Cain Arena

Tickets: CLICK HERE

Broadcast: ESPN, SBS On Demand, Twitch, NBL TV

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 10-7

 

South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United butt heads on Saturday night in perhaps the biggest Throwdown in its short history.

The third-placed Phoenix enter with a club record four-game winning streak and regain the services of star import Keifer Sykes while second-placed United will be keen to make up for the overtime upset earlier this month in Throwdown VI.

A win for the Phoenix will solidify their place in the top four. A win for United will see them keep pace with Perth at the top of the table.

It’s all to play for at John Cain Arena.

 

SQUAD

Keifer Sykes will return for his first game since injuring his ankle in the Phoenix’s second NBL Cup game against Adelaide a month ago, pending a game day fitness test.

Kendall Stephens (achilles) and Mitch Creek will miss.

 

RYAN BROEKHOFF ON THE RIVALRY:

"It's a fierce rivalry that's been built over the last two seasons. I got a really good idea of what the passion is when we played during the NBL Cup only a few weeks ago."

"I have an idea of the intensity and the passion in the rivalry game, but for me to actually step on the court and be a part of it is going to be pretty fun and I'm really looking forward to it."

 

PLAYER TO WATCH

Keifer Sykes’ play on both ends of the floor to start his debut NBL season placed him amongst the most influential players in the league before going down with injury.

Coach Simon Mitchell said Sykes was the best defender in the competition after shutting down the Hawks’ Tyler Harvey in Round 4.

The explosive guard may not see his usual workload in his first game back but will add to an in-form backcourt with Kyle Adnam, Cam Gliddon, Adam Gibson and Izayah Le’afa.

 

OPPOSITION REPORT

Melbourne United sit second on the NBL table with a 12-5 record.

United looked near unbeatable to start the year before losing four games in a row prior to their last two wins over the Hawks and Breakers.

They are one of the strongest defensive units in the comp and boast plenty of star power with the likes of Mitch McCarron, Jock Landale and Chris Goulding. Landale leads United in both scoring and rebounding.

Key players Scotty Hopson and Jack White have missed the last few weeks through injury but are chances to return Saturday night.

 

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 2 United 4

 

NBL21:

United def Phoenix 96-90

Phoenix def United 97-92

 

NBL20:

Phoenix def United 91-88

United def Phoenix 110-98

United def Phoenix 96-95

United def Phoenix 109-90

 

MEDIA PREVIEW SHOTS

 

BROEKHOFF SPEAKS TO MEDIA:

 

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (26/03/2021)