VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Fan Favourite Returns for Phoenix Road Clash with 36ers

Key Details

ADELAIDE 36ERS 1-4 (10th) vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 2-3 (7th)
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
When: Thursday, October 19 at 7:30 AEDT
Watch Live on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel

The Phoenix will be looking to secure back-to-back victories for the first time in NBL24 when they face the 36ers at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Thursday.Mike Kelly’s side will be riding high from their one-point victory over ladder leaders Tasmania, buoyed by the return of a fan favourite.

A near-healthy Phoenix will welcome back import Alan Williams, who will debut for the NBL24 season. but will miss the smooth moves of Ben Ayre who has a minor ankle injury.

Adelaide has had a busy week, securing their first win of the season over the Illawarra Hawks and adding two-time NBL championship winner Dejan Vasiljevic after the Sydney Kings waived him.

The two sides met early in September in a pre-season match, with the 36ers coming out on top by, aptly, 36 points, but two completely different teams will be suiting up on the court tonight. 

Old friends become foes, with 36ers guard Trey Kell, centre Tohi Smith-Milner and assistant coach Craig Simpson all facing their old side for the first time.

It’s another night to celebrate for Reuben Te Rangi, who saluted his birthday last round and tonight, will become the third Phoenix player in history to hit the 100-game milestone.

Teams

Phoenix

Alan Williams returns to the team for his first game for NBL24 after recovering from his knee injury, as the Phoenix farewell fellow big man Tyler Cook from the roster.

Unfortunately, Ben Ayre will not suit up for the game tonight due to a minor ankle sprain; Luke Rosendale will replace him.

36ers

The 36ers will enter the game bolstered by their new signing Dejan Vasiljevic.

Keep an Eye On

Alan Williams

‘Big Sauce’ will be returning to reclaim his place as the rebounding king. The league-leader in boards last season, expect to see him be a presence on defence and a viable option on offence, with his signature floater a welcome sight for the Phoenix any time he takes the court.

Trey Kell

Trey Kell may not have had the season he was hoping for in NBL23, but after an off-season relocation to South Australia and a fresh start, we are finally seeing the potential the sharpshooter can bring. Currently averaging 16.4 points, 3.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, he will be one to watch if his radar is on. 

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head

Phoenix 7-7 36ers

Last time out – Rd 12, NBL23
Phoenix 88-94 36ers

Phoenix
Creek 24p
Adnam 18
Smith-Milner 14p

36ers
Franks 20p
Johnson 20p
McCarron 16p

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