VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Primed for Throwdown XXII against Cross-Town Rivals United

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 6-4 (3rd) vs MELBOURNE UNITED 8-2 (1st)
Where: The Fire Pit at John Cain Arena
When: Sunday, November 12 at 2pm AEDT
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It's set to be another sold-out Throwdown for the second NBL24 game between the rivals, when they take to the court on Sunday.

South East Melbourne is currently on a roll at their Fire Pit fortress, winning all home games this season.

They will be without centre Gorjok Gak, who sustained a calf injury against Brisbane. However, they will be strengthened by the experienced power forward Daniel ‘DJ' Johnson, who has come in as a nominated replacement player.

The Phoenix will be bolstered with the return of import guard Will Cummings, who missed the last game with a corked thigh. 

Melbourne United are currently sitting top of the ladder at 8-2 but have suffered a few injuries in their tough overtime loss by seven points against Perth Wildcats on Monday night.

The last time the two sides met was a game the Phoenix were keen to forget, losing 67-82. They had no Alan Williams, Gorjok Gak or Gary Browne.

But a new and cohesive side will face United on Sunday, with fans finally seeing the big match-up between Williams and Jo Lual-Acuil for the first time. 

The occasion will be made even more special with Phoenix part-owners NBA great John Wall, and Australian tennis champion Nick Kyrgios, both sitting courtside supporting their team.

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Teams

Phoenix

Gorjok Gak will miss at least the next two games with a calf injury. Daniel Johnson is as a nominated replacement player.

United

United will be without Matthew Dellavedova (calf),  Ian Clark (hamstring) and Luke Travers (concussion). They will be replaced by Rob Loe, Campbell Blogg and Malith Machar.

Keep an Eye On

Matt Kenyon

Starting for the first time for the season last round, Matt 'Kenny' Kenyon showed his potential as the go-to defence guy for the Phoenix. Bought into the formidable wall for the opposition, he had a standout game last round with six rebounds and three steals but was also able to hit the scoreboard with 12 points. 

Chris Goulding

Goulding is currently leading from beyond the arc in the league, averaging 3.8 three-pointers and is the player to minimise when he is on point from the three-line. Along with the sharpshooter, he is the highest scorer for United, averaging 16.2 points per game.

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 6-12 United

Last time out – Rd 1, NBL24
Phoenix 67-82 United

Phoenix
Ayre 17p
Cummings 14p
Cook 12p

United
Travers 20p
Dellavedova 17p
Ili 8p

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