VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix to Rectify Start of Round 2 against Hawks

Key Details

ILLAWARRA HAWKS 0-1 (10th) vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 1-2 (7th)
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre
When: Saturday, October 7 at 5:30 AEDT
Watch Live on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel

South East Melbourne head from Queensland to New South Wales as they look to bounce back against the Illawarra Hawks in the second of a two-game road trip.

After going down at the hands of the Cairns Taipans, the Phoenix have a chance to right wrongs just two days later when they face Jacob Jackomas’ team.

In a positive sign for Mike Kelly and the squad, Illawarra has been a happy hunting ground for the Phoenix, their 39-point victory in NBL23 still the club’s largest ever triumph.

Unfortunately, big man Tyler Cook will not suit up for the game tonight with suffering a left eye abrasion after a nasty eye poke in Thursday's loss in Cairns.

Craig Moller also missed the Cairns trip with illness and will return to the court for the second game of the round for the Phoenix against the Hawks.

Illawarra remain winless after a loss against reigning-champions Sydney by 15 points in the Freeway Series to kick off round one.

The Hawks could unleash Next Star AJ Johnson, who failed to hit the court in his side’s opening match of NBL24.

Teams

Phoenix

Craig Moller returns to the side for tonight's game while Tyler Cook misses due to a left eye abrasion.

Alan Williams remains out of the side as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

Gorjok Gak will miss round 2 as he continues rehab for his ankle injury, with Anzac Rissetto replacing him in his absence.

Hawks

The Hawks will go into tonight’s game with a full squad.

Keep an Eye On

Gary Browne

You need a spark; Browne is your guy. The league leader in assists last season provided the trigger with back-to-back threes at the end of the third and start of the fourth quarter. Browne has proved time and time again that when the crucial shot needs to be hit, he’s your man. Just watch his highlights from the opening three games of NBL24. 

Justin Robinson

Justin Robinson is looking to steal Gary Browne’s crown, and he isn’t shy about letting everyone know. The self-proclaimed ‘best assist-man in the league’ will have his work cut out, likely to spend plenty of time on the man he’s looking to de-throne. Will be a scintillating battle of the guards that fans league-wide will have a close eye on.

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 10-5 Hawks

Last time out – Rd 10, NBL23
Phoenix 111-72 Hawks

Phoenix

Broekhoff 21p
Creek 19p
Browne 12p

Hawks
Frazier II 20p
Harvey 13p
Siva 8p

CLICK HERE to secure your seats to Phoenix's next home game on October 14 against the Tasmania JackJumpers in round 3.