The Run Home

South East Melbourne Phoenix are on the verge of having their entire squad back for the first time since round 11.

Currently sitting fifth on the ladder at 12-10, when Phoenix have their entire squad, they are unstoppable with a 10-3 record.

Here’s a closer look at our last six games of the regular season:

Round 14 vs Cairns Taipans
Cairns Convention Centre, January 8 at 4pm AEDT
Current Ladder Position: 3rd

Phoenix is amidst a three-game road trip, with this game being the last. A challenging stretch has seen the Phoenix battle injury and illness. On the flip side, the Taipans are flying, having won three games in a row. The next man up mentality will again be tested for the Phoenix, who could still be without some key starters.

(Phoenix face the Taipans on Sunday in a tough game to end their week long road trip.)

Round 15 vs Brisbane Bullets
State Basketball Centre, January 16 at 7:30pm AEDT
Current Ladder Position: 9th

Phoenix returns to their spiritual home of State Basketball Centre to a sold-out crowd when they take on the Brisbane Bullets. Head coach Simon Mitchell has called a mini-camp the week they return from Cairns, as they will potetially have their entire squad back and be able to prepare for the Bullets.

It's been a rough season for the Bullets, who will be looking to close out the season with a few wins.

(The first sold-out game at SBC will be an important game to win.)

Round 16 vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Silverdome, January 18 at 7:30pm AEDT
Current Ladder Position: 4th

The Phoenix will be looking to atone for their poor performance the last time they headed to the apple isle. That loss was the worst of the season for the Phoenix, and this game will be about pride.

(When Phoenix meet the JackJumpers again in round 16, they will be playing for pride to not repeat their performance last time they met.)

Round 16 vs Perth Wildcats
State Basketball Centre, January 22 at 2pm AEDT
Current Ladder Position: 6th

The Wildcats are slowly starting to build some momentum and are currently one spot below the Phoenix in the standings.

This will be an essential game for both sides and will again see the Phoenix playing in front of a sold-out crowd at the State Basketball Centre.

(Both teams will be out for the W as they shape the top six in the final games of the season.)

Round 17 vs Cairns Taipans
State Basketball Centre, January 25 at 7:30pm AEDT
Current Ladder Position: 3rd

Phoenix will again meet Cairns, but this time on their home court at SBC with a packed stadium of Phoenix fans. Another big game for the two teams as the top 6 gets shaped in the season's final rounds towards the first-ever play-in tournament for the NBL.

UNDER 10 TICKETS REMAIN FOR THE GAME – CLICK HERE TO SNATCH THE LAST TICKETS

(The final home game for Phoenix for the regular season will be as they head into the final rounds of the regular season.)

Round 17 vs Sydney Kings
Qudos Bank Arena, January 29 at 4pm AEDT
Current Ladder Position: 1st

The final game for the season sees Phoenix return to Sydney to take on the Kings, who are looking to end the season on top of the ladder. When the two sides first met this season, they produced a game that will go down as one of the greatest ever played. Creek had 46, Walton Jr 42, and the Phoenix prevailed in double OT.

In round 14, an undermanned Phoenix could not contain the Kings, who shot the three ball at a remarkable 73%. This could be another classic if both sides are at full strength.

(A big game to end Phoenix's regular season before finals.)

Phoenix Media (06/01/23)