Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix NBL Game Preview

Oct 3

2 min read

Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Analysis

Two winless teams, Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix, face off this Thursday night, with Adelaide expected to secure their first victory at home. Both sides have struggled defensively, but Adelaide's potent offense, led by Montrezl Harrell’s inside presence, along with Dejan Vasiljevic and Kendric Davis’s outside shooting, puts them in the driver’s seat. The Phoenix, struggling both defensively and offensively, will need to outscore a high-powered 36ers squad, which seems unlikely given their current form.

Key Matchups

Adelaide’s Perimeter Shooting vs. Phoenix’s Defence: Adelaide has been lighting it up from beyond the arc, ranking second in 3-point makes with 14 per game. Meanwhile, South East Melbourne has allowed the most 3-point attempts per game.
Montrezl Harrell vs. Phoenix Interior Defence: Harrell’s dominant inside play will challenge Phoenix’s defence in the paint, forcing them to collapse and leave shooters open.
Phoenix’s Offense vs. Adelaide’s Defence: South East Melbourne needs to improve their scoring output, but Adelaide’s own defensive issues could give them a chance to find some rhythm.

Why Adelaide Wins

Adelaide's offense has been stellar, even in their losses, posting 94 and 97 points in their first two games. Montrezl Harrell’s power inside opens up space for shooters like Vasiljevic and Davis, both top 10 in 3-point attempts. With the Phoenix allowing the most 3-point attempts, Adelaide will continue to capitalise on the outside. The 36ers also have the edge in offensive efficiency, currently ranked third in points per game.

Why South East Melbourne Wins

For the Phoenix to win, they’ll need to step up their offensive game and outscore Adelaide. However, they are only ranked seventh in points per game and 3-point percentage. Their defence has allowed 94.3 points per game, but if they can tighten up on the perimeter and find a scoring leader, they could pull off an upset.

Key Stats

Adelaide: 2nd in 3-point makes (14 per game); Montrezl Harrell leads the league in +/- (+46).
Phoenix: Allow 37 three-point attempts per game, the most in the league. They also give up 94.3 points per game (4th most in the NBL).
Both teams have struggled defensively: Adelaide gives up 101.5 points per game (2nd most), and the Phoenix allow 94.3.

Adelaide’s offensive firepower and Harrell’s inside presence make them the favourites in this matchup. South East Melbourne’s defensive struggles on the perimeter will likely cost them the game, while the 36ers’ ability to hit shots from deep could seal the deal. Both teams need a win, but Adelaide’s balanced attack looks better suited to take advantage of the Phoenix’s weaknesses. Expect a high-scoring affair.