R16 Game Preview: Phoenix v Bullets

Opponent: Brisbane Bullets

Where: John Cain Arena

When: Thursday, April 29 – 7.30pm AEST

Tickets: CLICK HERE

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

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 14-12 (fourth on ladder)

The Phoenix and Bullets lock heads for only the second time this season for an important Thursday night clash in Melbourne.

South East Melbourne rediscovered their form on Sunday in Cairns with a 20-point win over the Taipans in Cairns. It was a welcome return to the winner's circle after three consecutive losses. 

The Phoenix will also be buoyed by their strong record over the Bullets, including a comfortable 99-83 win in the NBL Cup earlier this year.

A win will see them firmly placed inside the top four once again while a loss will give the fifth-placed Illawarra and sixth-placed Brisbane hope of snatching their place.

SQUAD

Ryan Broekhoff (groin) will return from injury.

Keifer Sykes (back), Dane Pineau (knee) and Kendall Stephens (Achilles) remain out.

PRE-GAME

We'll be celebrating Adam Gibson's 450-game milestone before the game so find your seat early as we present Gibbo in front of his home fans.

RYAN BROEKHOFF:

"I'm excited to get back into it.

"We had a few tough games where we didn't perform our brand of basketball so to get back to what we do best (vs Cairns on Sunday) was good.

"I'm excited to get back out there with the boys and have a run around. Hopefully we can continue the winning ways."

PLAYER TO WATCH

Cam Gliddon dropped 22 points on 9-14 shooting against Cairns on Sunday and now faces his other former club, Brisbane.

His skills from the three-point line are well documented but it was his ability to attack the rim and finish inside that caught the eye in the win.

He could have his hands full defensively on Thursday with Bullets guard Nathan Sobey so will have to be on top of his game.

OPPOSITION REPORT

Brisbane sit sixth on the ladder with a 10-13 record.

They’re entering on a three-game losing streak, having succumbed to Melbourne, New Zealand and most recently Perth.

Guard Nathan Sobey has been the star all season long, averaging 23 points and four assists per game in an incredible year.

Brisbane unfortunately lost import Vic Law to injury for the remainder of the season and his replacement, BJ Johnson, won’t be ready to face the Phoenix.

The Bullets need to get back to winning ways to keep up with the likes of the Phoenix, Kings and Hawks in the race for finals spots so there will be plenty to play for.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 3 Bullets 1

NBL21:

Phoenix def Bullets 99-83

NBL20:

Phoenix def Bullets 113-93

Phoenix def Bullets 110-95

Bullets def Phoenix 108-101

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (28/04/2021)