VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Looks to Stifle Losing Streak at SBC

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 9-14 (10th) vs SYDNEY KINGS 11-13 (5th)
Where: State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South 
When: Thursday, January 25 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel
LESS THAN 30 COURTSIDE/PLATINUM SEATS REMAIN; CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOURS

Having lost their previous five games, the Phoenix are desperate to show their fans some fight with a much needed victory to bounce away from the bottom of the table.

Import big and leading rebounder of the league Alan Williams is out for the remainder of the regular season after having right knee surgery.

The injury woes continue with import point guard and playmaker Gary Browne and defence mastermind Matt Kenyon also set to miss the clash.

But it’s only up from here for the Phoenix as they return to the Heartland in front of a one-eyed Phoenix crowd waiting to cheer them back to the winner’s list. 

The Kings are currently fifth on the table and in a vulnerable position with the teams currently at the tail of the ladder rapidly rising after a number of upsets in the league.

After falling short against the Wildcats on Sunday, Mahmoud Abdelfattah’s side will look to bounce back on Thursday night.

Mike Kelly’s team currently leads the league in offensive rebounds, while the Kings are ranked first for total rebounds with 44.6 boards per game. 

The last time the two sides met, it was one of the Phoenix’s best games of the season. The undermanned side got the chocolates in front of a vocal Sydney crowd with hopes to do the same again on Thursday.     

Teams

Phoenix

Gary Browne (groin) Matt Kenyon (hip) will miss both games in round 17 and will be replaced by Luke Rosendale and Austin Rapp.

Abdel Nader will be a game-time decision.

Alan Williams will remain out for the remainder of the season after right knee surgery. Anzac Rissetto will replace him for the remainder of the regular games.

Kings

Jonah Bolden returns for the Kings, while DJ Hogg remains out of the side with a shoulder injury.

Keep an Eye On

Abdel Nader’s Right Hand

Nader will be a game time decision for tomorrow night’s fixture with his right hand causing the Egyptian-American more trouble since injuring it against Brisbane in round 13. With three starters already out for the clash, the Phoenix will be hoping beyond hope that the former-NBA can suit up against the Kings.

Jaylen Adams

Since returning to the NBL, Adams has only dropped under double digits twice in 23 attempts. He is currently ranked second among qualified players for points (23.8 per game) which is an incredible number.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CRE3??K with the dagger!<br><br>? ESPN ?? Kayo Freebies | 10Peach | 10 Play <a href="https://t.co/4geZYheSkk">pic.twitter.com/4geZYheSkk</a></p>&mdash; South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1733742648735973425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 3-12 Kings

Last time out – Rd 10, NBL24
Phoenix 104-94 Kings

Phoenix
Creek 23p
Williams 21p
Ayre 13p

Kings
Adams 19p
Valentine 18p
Bolden 15p

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