VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Ready to take on United for Throwdown XXIII

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 8-6 (3rd) vs MELBOURNE UNITED 11-3 (1st)
Where: The Fire Pit at John Cain Arena
When: Thursday, December 14 at 7:30pm AEDT
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS REMAIN
Watch Live on ESPN via Kayo Foxtel 

The two Melbourne sides meet tomorrow night to write another chapter into arguably the best rivalry in Australian basketball in Throwdown XXIII.

The Phoenix are coming off two big wins after the FIBA break, including their statement win over Sydney on Sunday.

South East Melbourne have shot up the table from 5th to 3rd and are looking to settle the score when they meet United at the Fire Pit.

Reuben Te Rangi returns to the side after missing the last round with the birth of his first child, while new import Abdel Nader won’t suit up as he travels into Melbourne on Thursday morning.

Melbourne United have continued its formidable form, cementing its top of the ladder spot, standing at 11-3 and having a full, healthy roster.

The last time the two sides met, the Phoenix fell short to an undermanned United in front of a packed Fire Pit. 

But with a lot of learning and on a winning run, the Phoenix will be switched on when they face the rivals.

Teams

Phoenix

Reuben Te rangi returns to the side after the birth of his first child.

New import Abdel Nader will not suit up against United due to arriving in Melbourne Thursday morning.

Kody Stattmann will be the injury replacement for Craig Moller, who is out for the remainder of the season due to a ruptured patella tendon.

United

United will go into Thursday night with a full roster.

Keep an Eye On

Ben Ayre

Currently hitting threes at 52.5 per cent, Ayre continues his stride towards Sixth Man of the Year contention. Starting for the Phoenix against Sydney, Ayre has been formidable in the two position. He continues to be aggressive defensively against the opposition and hits the scoreboard when needed.

Ian Clark

On the opposition side, coming back from injury, Ian Clark continues to show how good he is beyond the arc, hitting threes at 51.2 per cent, just behind Ayre. In his return last round against the Bullets, Clark had 14 points in 23 minutes as he builds back up after missing a month of basketball. 

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 6-13 United

Last time out – Rd 7, NBL24
Phoenix 83-92 United

Phoenix
Creek 19p
Browne 16p
Williams 14p

United
Goulding 27p
Lual-Acuil Jr 15p
Cameron 14p

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