R8 Game Preview: Phoenix v Kings

Opponent: Sydney Kings

Where: John Cain Arena

When: Saturday March 6 - 8:00pm AEDT

Tickets: CLICK HERE

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

Live Updates: @SEMelbPhoenix on Twitter

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 6-6

Phoenix NBL Cup Record: 2-2

South East Melbourne Phoenix’s place in the NBL’s top four teams is on the line on Saturday night against the Sydney Kings at John Cain Arena.

The 6-6 Phoenix went down in a thriller against Perth on Wednesday and face the 5-7 Kings who lost to Cairns on Thursday by four points.

Both sides will be missing key players, most notably Keifer Sykes and Jarrell Martin for the Phoenix and Kings respectively.

It could be the final game before star recruit Ryan Broekhoff joins the Phoenix, as the former NBA sharpshooter’s hotel quarantine period ends on Sunday.

(Kyle Adnam will again take the reigns as starting point guard)

SQUAD

Keifer Sykes (ankle), Dane Pineau (back) and Adam Gibson (calf) remain out.

Ryan Broekhoff (quarantine) will also miss.

CAM GLIDDON ON THE TEAM’S SLOW STARTS:

“We don’t want to dig ourselves those holes. Doing the one-percenter things; boxing out, coming out with defensive boards and getting out running our routes will go a long way.

“When your backs are against the wall and you have no other choice we always respond, but it’d be great to not have to get to that point and start off with that intensity. That’s what we’re all looking to bring Saturday night.”

CAM GLIDDON ON HIS HOT FORM:

“I think I’m just a bit sharper at the moment. Earlier in the season I felt like I was rushing a bit whereas now I feel like I’ve got more time on the court. I think that’s a case of getting enough reps in at training and feeling comfortable with the team and the offence we’re running.

“I know where my shots are coming from now and can pick and choose what’s a good shot and when I should move the ball on and look for a better one. I think just my sharpness and having a bit more time mentally is rewarding me.”

PLAYER TO WATCH

Kyle Adnam will continue to be the player to watch until he gives us reason not to.

The 27-year-old backed up his career-high 13 assists in his first Phoenix start with a career-high 28 points in his second.

‘Wild Kyle’ is running the offence with flair and precision, draining buckets and setting up his teammates at will.

A matchup with Casper Ware awaits.

OPPOSITION REPORT – ASSISTANT COACH JUDD FLAVELL:

“Sydney have a lot of firepower in the backcourt.

“Casper Ware has certainly been a threat since entering the NBL and is in great form at the moment, so he’ll be a big focal point defensively for us. Then you’ve got Vasilijevic, a new player, new kid on the block who’s been in great form as well. Those two have been piling on the points so a lot of our focus will be on those guys.

“But we’ve got to make sure we do work on everyone else. Kickert comes in, he’s a threat from the three-point line, Louzada and Vodanovic are also threats and let’s not forget about Brad Newley.

“They’ve got a team that can get going offensively and for us it’s going to be a great challenge.”

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Kings 4 Phoenix 0

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 (05/03/2021)