VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Look to Redeem Themselves in Gippsland

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 8-7 (5th) vs ILLAWARRA HAWKS 4-8 (7th)
Where: Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, Traralgon
When: Saturday, December 16 at 5:30pm AEDT
LESS THAN 100 TICKETS REMAIN 
Watch Live on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel 

The Phoenix head south for their annual regional game, marking the last time Mike Kelly’s side will host a fixture in 2023.

After a masterclass from United on Thursday night, the Phoenix will be out to bounce back from the disappointing Throwdown loss.

They will be channelling their inner superhero as they don their Green Lantern jersey on Saturday and hoping it gives them the spark to get back on the winner’s list before a block of away games.

The Phoenix will be without captain Mitch Creek (knee), who hobbled off the court after a knee knock in the final term.

While the fans and team will be able to see new import Abdel Nader for his first game for the Phoenix in Traralgon.

The Hawks, with interim head coach Justin Tatum at the helm, have gone 2-1 since he took the reins and he has a near-full roster for his choosing as they look to get their season back on track.

It will be a new-look team compared to when the two sides met in round 2 where the Hawks prevailed with a seven point win.

Teams

Phoenix

Mitch Creek will miss tomorrow’s game due to a knee injury, he will be replaced by Austin Rapp.

Abdel Nader will lace up for his first game tomorrow.

Hawks

The Hawks will be without Dan Grida who has an ankle injury.

Keep an Eye On

Gary Browne

Browne continues to show his smooth moves for the team, finding his teammates and also his own way to the bucket. He was one of the Phoenix’s strong performers in Thursday’s Throwdown with a game-high 22 points, and he will sure back it up with his team in Gippsland.

AJ Johnson

The next star has shown the spark that fans have been itching to see. He may not have big minutes or stats yet, but when he is on the court, he creates that spark the Hawks need to edge them towards a win.

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-6 Hawks

Last time out – Rd 2, NBL24
Phoenix 106-113 Hawks

Phoenix
Cummings 28p
Creek 24p
Browne 22p

Hawks
Robinson 26p
Harvey 20p
Froling 17p

Game Day Hub

Check out our game day hub with all the information you need for a Phoenix home game.