VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Look to Topple Reigning Champs in Sydney

Key Details

SYDNEY KINGS 8-5 (3rd) vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 7-6 (5th) 
Where: Qudos Bank Arena
When: Sunday, December 10 at 4pm AEDT
Watch Live and Free on 10 Peach and 10 Play or ESPN via Kayo Freebies or Foxtel

The Phoenix returned to the winner's list in the last round in an 11-point victory over the New Zealand Breakers after the FIBA break.

The win was bittersweet for the team and organisation, with much-loved forward Craig Moller clutching his right knee mid-way through the first quarter. Scans revealed on Monday that he ruptured his patella tendon and will miss the remainder of the season.

The squad stepped up in Moller's absence and won the game gallantly, filling the 208cm void left by the off-season acquisition.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who else can&#39;t wait to see some Gak dunks back on the court?! ?<br><br>We caught up with Gorjok Gak as he makes his return from a calf injury against the Kings on Sunday. ? <a href="https://t.co/wEYInOYCTc">pic.twitter.com/wEYInOYCTc</a></p>&mdash; South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1732624549865501162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sydney hasn’t proved a happy hunting ground for the Phoenix, winning just two of 16 meetings in the club’s history.

The Phoenix will take confidence from their pre-season contest with Sydney though, prevailing in their NBL Blitz match-up on the Gold Coast.

The Kings faced Cairns Taipans on Thursday night, in a game like no other, Sydney got the win by three-points.

Teams

Phoenix

The Phoenix will be without forward Craig Moller, who raptured his patella tendon and will miss the remainder of the NBL24 season. He will replaced by DP Luke Rosendale for this afternoon.

Reuben Te Rangi (paternity leave) has stayed in Melbourne and will be replaced by DP Anzac Rissetto.

Will Cummings has been released from the Phoenix, with Kody Stattmann elevated to full roster in his place.

In good news, Gorjok Gak returns to the team after recovering from a calf injury.

Kings

Kouat Noi will miss this round due to knee soreness.

Keep an Eye On

Mitch Creek

Captain Creek was back to his best with a game-high 26 points in the 11-point win over the Breakers' last round. Even with the even spread within the scoring side of the team, Creek can still step up when he is needed. 

DJ Hogg

Coming from the Taipans, Hogg has immediately impacted his new side. So far in this season, Hogg has been a crucial part of the Kings’ title-defence. Averaging 16 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 2-12 Kings

Last time out – Rd 17, NBL23
Phoenix 106-Kings 111

Phoenix
Creek 29
Kell 18
Browne 18

Kings
Vailjevic 42
Cooks 16
Soares 15