R15 Game Preview: Phoenix v Kings

 Opponent: Sydney Kings

Where: John Cain Arena

When: Thursday, April 22 – 7.30pm AEST

Tickets: CLICK HERE

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

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 13-11 (third on ladder)

South East Melbourne Phoenix will be desperate to return to the winner’s list and put on a show for their home crowd on Thursday night at John Cain Arena when they host the Sydney Kings.

The Phoenix have dropped their last two games ahead of the huge top-four clash but face a Sydney side fresh off the departure of Next Star Didi Louzada.

Both teams are dealing with player availability issues but need to keep putting wins on the board to keep their place in the NBL finals race.

A win for the Phoenix would open a two-game gap over their Sydney rivals while a Kings victory would even the two clubs’ records at 13-12.

It will be a special night at John Cain Arena with a pre-game ceremony to acknowledge those who have served ahead of ANZAC Day on Sunday.

SQUAD

Ryan Broekhoff (groin strain), Keifer Sykes (lower back), Dane Pineau (knee) and Kendall Stephens (Achilles) will miss.

MILESTONE

Kyle Adnam will play his 150th NBL game.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Izayah Le’afa continues to shine off the bench, averaging 21.5 points and two steals last round.

The emerging fan favourite will play some important minutes getting into the face of Kings star Casper Ware on the defensive end and will also hope to maintain his efficient scoring.

The matchup between young big men Yanni Wetzell and Jordan Hunter will be another duel to keep a close eye on.

Wetzell got the chocolates in the Phoenix’s win in Round 13 before Hunter returned serve in the Kings’ Round 14 win.

Their battle will go a long way in deciding the victor on Thursday night.

OPPOSITION REPORT

Sydney sit fourth on the NBL table with a 12-12 record.

They’ve won their last two games, a win over the Phoenix last Thursday and a thriller against Cairns on Saturday night.

Casper Ware scored 40 points on 57 per cent shooting in a remarkable return to form in the most recent win.

The big news out of the club this week is Didi Louzada joining the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA.

Louzada starred in last week’s clash with the Phoenix so will be a significant out for the Kings on Thursday night and for the remainder of the season.

Big man Jordan Hunter has impressed in the absence of the injured Jarrell Martin and caused headaches for South East Melbourne last week, recording 11 points, six rebounds and a whopping six blocks.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 1 Kings 6

NBL21:

Kings def Phoenix 91-85

Phoenix def Kings 98-84

Kings def Phoenix 97-90

NBL20:

Kings def Phoenix 90-86

Kings def Phoenix 110-98

Kings def Phoenix 98-81

Kings def Phoenix 99-96

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (21/04/2021)