South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers NBL Round 19 Game Preview

Tip-off is at 4:30 PM AEDT, Sunday, February 2 at John Cain Arena

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers Expert Analysis

South East Melbourne will look to keep their top-four hopes alive when they take on the Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena in what could be a high-scoring shootout.

Both teams are coming off disappointing Friday night losses and are desperate for a win to boost their postseason chances. A victory for the Phoenix keeps them in the race for a top-four finish, while the 36ers still need another win (or two) to lock in a play-in spot.

South East Melbourne have been dominant at home, playing an up-tempo offensive style while still ranking among the league’s best defensive teams. Their strength and balance should be enough to handle Adelaide, especially with Jordan Hunter controlling the boards against the league’s worst rebounding team.

Key Matchups

Jordan Hunter vs Adelaide’s Rebounding Woes

Hunter has been a force on the glass, averaging 10 rebounds per game over his past five matches. Adelaide, meanwhile, sits last in the NBL for total rebounds, making this a clear advantage for the Phoenix big man.

Matt Hurt vs Adelaide’s Defence

Hurt has been pivotal for South East Melbourne, scoring 19 points with 7 rebounds in their last outing. Adelaide’s defence has been shaky, ranking near the bottom in field goal percentage allowed. If Hurt finds his rhythm early, it could be a long night for the 36ers.

Adelaide’s Three-Point Shooting vs Phoenix Perimeter Defence

The 36ers boast the second-best field goal percentage (47.3%) and third-best three-point percentage (36.6%) in the league. However, their shooting struggles against Brisbane were costly. If their shooters bounce back, they could test the Phoenix from deep.

Key Stats

• South East Melbourne have won 9 of their past 10 home games this season.

• Adelaide ranks last in the NBL in rebounding (38.9 per game) and 8th in opponent rebounds (42.4 per game).

• The Phoenix ranks 2nd in points in the paint (44.7) and 2nd in second-chance points (13.7).

• Jordan Hunter has had 8+ rebounds in four of his past five games.

Why South East Melbourne Win

The Phoenix are strong at home and have the balanced attack to overpower Adelaide. Their ability to score in the paint and dominate the glass will put pressure on the 36ers, who struggle in both areas. With Adelaide’s defence ranking 8th in opponent field goal percentage, South East Melbourne should have little trouble finding quality shots.

Why Adelaide Win

Adelaide’s best chance comes from their efficient shooting. If they can bounce back from their poor performance against Brisbane and get hot from beyond the arc, they could put the Phoenix under pressure. The 36ers also have a knack for pushing the pace, which could trouble South East Melbourne if they struggle to control the tempo.

Conclusion

With their top-four hopes on the line, South East Melbourne should have the edge at home. Adelaide’s shooting could make things interesting, but their struggles on the glass and defence give the Phoenix too many opportunities. Expect an entertaining, high-scoring contest, with South East Melbourne coming out on top.