DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Look to Bounce Back for their Home Indigenous Game
Written By
Kadek Thatcher for Phoenix Media
Key Details
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (4-7) 8th vs CAIRNS TAIPANS (3-7) 9th
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Sunday, November 10 at 2:30pm AEDT
Watch: Live and free on 10 & 10 Play | ESPN via Kayo
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE, CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR SEATS!
The Phoenix will proudly wear their Indigenous jerseys, designed by Dixon Patten, from Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa, Djab Wurrung, who chose the endangered Orange Bellied Parrot, native to the South East of Melbourne and Northern Tasmania on Sunday afternoon.
After a tough loss in Sydney, where it saw the Phoenix in the lead for the majority of the game before a determined Kings stole the win, Josh King’s side will be looking to rectify that loss in front of their passionate Phoenix fans.
Ex-Phoenix captain Kyle Adnam returns to the Fire Pit for the first time since leaving the club at the end of the NBL23 season, when his side the Cairns Taipans take on the Phoenix.
The Phoenix will have a full roster to choose from for the first time since the Throwdown win in round five with the return of import point guard Derrick Walton Jr.
The Taipans are currently undermanned with injuries plaguing the team but will be coming out firing in their only game for the round to get off the bottom of the ladder.
TEAMS
Phoenix
The Phoenix will re-gain Derrick Walton Jr after his recovery from a grade one hamstring strain, and Majok Majok who missed Friday's game due to illness.
Taipans
The Taipans regain Taran Armstrong (ankle) and import Tanner Groves (calf) will be a game day decision. Cairns will be without Pedro Bradshaw (ankle) and Rob Edwards (suspension).
KEEP AN EYE ON
Fired up Angus Glover
For the past three games, Glover has started at the one position. Will that change with the return of Walton Jr? But in Walton Jr’s absence, Glover has stepped up when needed, thriving under new head coach Josh King, working hard offensively as well as helping his teammates out when needed.
HISTORY
Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 8-8 Taipans
Last time out – Rd12, NBL24
Phoenix 75-94 Taipans
Phoenix
Williams 29p
Te Rangi 14p
Nader 12p
Taipans
Waadernberg 20p
Miller 17p
Kuol 15p
GAME DAY HUB
Get all your game day information via our up-to-date game day hub. Doors open at 1pm with heaps on offer before tip-off at 2:30pm. CLICK HERE or the graphic below.