R21 Game Preview: Phoenix v Bullets

Opponent: Brisbane Bullets

Where: Cairns Pop-Up Arena

When: Wednesday, June 2 – 7.30pm AEST

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

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 18-15 (fourth on the ladder)

In one of the most unique nights in league history, South East Melbourne Phoenix are set to host the Brisbane Bullets at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena with no crowd in attendance.

Victoria’s COVID-19 outbreak has caused the Phoenix to find a temporary home in Cairns, which got off to a shaky start last Friday night in a loss to the Taipans.

The Phoenix need one, possibly two, wins from their final three games to qualify for the finals, while the Bullets need to win their final three, starting on Wednesday night in Cairns.

The stakes are as high as they’ve been for any regular season game in NBL21.

SQUAD

Kendall Stephens is returning from an Achilles injury for his first game since March 12.

Cam Gliddon will miss as he returns home for the birth of his second child.

Dane Pineau (knee) has been ruled out for the season.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Yanni Wetzell scored a career-high 25 points in Friday’s loss to Cairns and has been in scorching touch over the last few weeks.

The rookie will go head-to-head with the Bullets trio of Matt Hodgson, Tyrell Harrison and Harry Froling, who will try to work over the young Kiwi over the 40 minutes.

Wetzell had 18 points and nine rebounds in the two teams’ last matchup in Round 19.

OPPOSITION REPORT

Brisbane sit sixth on the NBL table with a 16-17 record.

They’ve won their last two games over New Zealand and Cairns to keep their finals hopes alive.

The Bullets hosted the Phoenix in Round 19 and were belted 95-66 at Nissan Arena, where five Phoenix players scored in double figures.

Lamar Patterson led their scoring in their most recent game with 21 points and has proved a handy one-two punch with star guard Nathan Sobey in the latter stages of the season.

Brisbane need to win this contest to keep their hopes of a top four spot alive so expect a desperate effort from the first tip.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 4 Bullets 2

NBL21:

Phoenix def Bullets 99-83

Bullets def Phoenix 94-82

Phoenix def Bullets 95-66

NBL20:

Phoenix def Bullets 113-93

Phoenix def Bullets 110-95

Bullets def Phoenix 108-101

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (01/06/2021)