VMT MATCH PREVIEW: The Phoenix Look to Keep the Wins Coming in Brisbane

Key Details

BRISBANE BULLETS 4-4 (6th) vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 5-3 (2nd)
Where: Nissan Arena, Yuggera
When: Thursday, November 2 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch Live on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel

It was only a fortnight ago when the Phoenix took on the Bullets at the Fire Pit and claimed a 23-point win over the side.

Mike Kelly’s side have jumped from fifth to second on the table, enjoying the spoils of a healthy squad for the first time this season.

The Bullets too have gained momentum in the past few weeks, stopping a slide, and winning back-to-back games since falling to the Phoenix. 

They will also be bolstered with the return of their big man, Aron Baynes, who has missed the last five games due to a suspension.

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It will be a night to celebrate Phoenix’s leading sixth man, Ben Ayre, who will notch up his 50th NBL game tonight.

The NBL celebrate First Nation’s people during Indigenous Round this week, the Phoenix sporting a jersey designed by Kamilaroi woman, Katie Budgen.

(Phoenix's Indigenous Jerseys are designed by Katie Bugden and they will wear these for this round for NBL's Indigneous Round.)

Teams

Phoenix

A full squad will travel to Brisbane. As it is an away game, development players will not travel with the team. 

Bullets

The Bullets will be without guard Shannon Scott, who sustained a hamstring injury when they last played the Phoenix.

Keep an Eye On

Ben Ayre

Ayre is no doubt in the sixth man of the year conversation, particularly due to his prowess scoring. The guard is currently averaging 12 points, dropping below double-digits just once this season. He had an almighty run the last time the two sides met, going 67 per cent from the field, dropping 16 points.

Aron Baynes

Returning to the side for his first game since the start of October, Aron Baynes will surely have the impact they have been missing in the five position. The match-up between Baynes and Alan Williams will reignite tonight when they meet each other for the first time in NBL24.

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 8-5 Bullets

Last time out – Rd 4, NBL24
Phoenix 96-73 Bullets

Phoenix
Williams 21p
Ayre 16p
Vague 12p

Bullets
Sobey 14p
White 14p
Norton 12p

Tickets are available for Sunday's home game against the Cairns Taipans. CLICK HERE to secure your seats.