R18 Game Preview: Phoenix v Breakers

Opponent: New Zealand Breakers

Where: John Cain Arena

When: Wednesday, May 12 – 7.30pm AEST

Tickets: CLICK HERE

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

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

Things are getting extremely tight in the middle section of the NBL ladder and the Phoenix get an opportunity to edge in front of the justling pack against New Zealand on Wednesday night.

Five teams are within a few wins of each other for the last two spots in the finals race, a position the Phoenix have held for majority of the year.

But after a shaky few weeks, a win against the Breakers has become vitally important in the team’s quest for their debut finals appearance.

It’s the first of three Round 18 games for the Phoenix, who host Cairns on Friday night and face Melbourne United on Sunday in an away clash at John Cain Arena.

A positive win-loss record from the triple header would go a long way in the race for a spot in the four.

SQUAD

Ryan Broekhoff will make his return from an eye injury.

Cam Gliddon (hip) will be a game-time decision.

Kendall Stephens (Achilles) and Dane Pineau (knee) remain out.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Keifer Sykes made his return from a back complaint on Saturday night against Melbourne and started ablaze before United took over the game.

The explosive guard will be hoping to recapture his early season form where he was considered one of the most valuable players in the league thanks to his elite work on both ends of the court.

He’ll have his hands full against Breakers star Tai Webster but it could be the exact challenge Sykes thrives off to get his year rolling once again.

OPPOSITION REPORT

New Zealand sit eighth on the ladder with a 9-18 record.

They’ve lost their last two games and four of their last six. However, two of their recent wins have come against heavyweights Perth, highlighting how strong they can be when they get rolling.

Star guard Corey Webster and import wing Levi Randolph remain out through injury while captain Tom Abercrombie could miss after hurting his hamstring on Sunday.

The Breakers added Aussie guard Will McDowell-White to their squad in recent weeks and he’s proved a valuable all-round contributor, averaging seven points, five rebounds and five assists.

Tai Webster and Finn Delany have been the stars for New Zealand and will need to bring their A-game on Wednesday night for the away side.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 3 Breakers 3

NBL21:

Phoenix def Breakers 103-89 

Phoenix def Breakers 92-85

NBL20:

Phoenix def Breakers 103-78

Breakers def Phoenix 90-84

Breakers def Phoenix 97-92

Breakers def Phoenix 92-83

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (12/05/2021)