R9 Game Preview: Phoenix v Breakers

Opponent: New Zealand Breakers

When: Sunday March 14 – 2:00pm AEDT

Where: John Cain Arena

Tickets: CLICK HERE

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

Live Updates: @SEMelbPhoenix on Twitter

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 8-7

Phoenix NBL Cup Record: 4-3

South East Melbourne Phoenix are looking to win three consecutive games for the first time this season when they face the New Zealand Breakers at John Cain Arena on Sunday.

The Phoenix unveiled their star recruit in Ryan Broekhoff during Friday night’s win over Cairns and continued their momentum after an emotional Throwdown victory two days prior.

New Zealand will be desperate to spoil the show in the two teams' final NBL Cup fixtures but face a side who are starting to look like a title threat on their home court.

A win would see the Phoenix rise to at least third on the NBL Cup podium and take home some much deserved prizemoney. 

(Ryan Broekhoff will continue to build chemistry with star teammate Mitch Creek)

SQUAD

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

PLAYER TO WATCH

Ryan Broekhoff made his Phoenix debut on Friday night and hit a three-pointer with his first touch of a basketball in a competitive game since February last year for Dallas in the NBA.

The 30-year-old scored seven points on 3-6 shooting including a few important buckets in the last quarter.

How he backs up in his second outing will be an interesting watch as he continues to build his fitness and work towards peak performance, which could be a scary proposition for opposing teams.

OPPOSITION REPORT

New Zealand sit eighth on the NBL table at 4-8 and eighth in the NBL Cup at 3-4.

Their most recent game was on Friday night when they went down to the second-placed Wildcats by ten points.

After a slow start to the season, the Breakers have begun to find some form in the NBL Cup and look a far more dangerous side than they did in the first month of the season.

Unfortunately for the team, talented duo Corey Webster and Lamar Patterson will miss through injury.

Their roster still oozes talent; Tai Webster is among the league’s best scorers and distributors; forward Finn Delany is coming off a 30-point game; and captain Tom Abercrombie is always a handful.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 1 Breakers 3

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 (14/03/2021)