South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Sydney Kings NBL Game Preview

Jan 21

3 min read

Tip-off is at 7:30 PM AEDT, Wednesday, January 22 at State Basketball Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Sydney Kings Expert Analysis

South East Melbourne will look to maintain their red-hot form and exact revenge against the Sydney Kings in what promises to be an explosive encounter at the State Basketball Centre.

The Phoenix are on a tear, winning seven of their last eight games, with their only blemish in that stretch being a January 2 loss to the Kings.

Sydney, known for their defensive prowess, will need to contain South East Melbourne’s high-powered offence, which has been averaging over 105 points per game across their past 10 outings.

Head-to-Head

2024/25 Match Results:

Jan 2: Sydney 110-101 South East Melbourne
Nov 8: Sydney 74-69 South East Melbourne

2023/24 Season Series:

South East Melbourne won 2-1

Key Matchups

Phoenix Offence vs Kings Defence

South East Melbourne boast the league’s third-best offence (95.1 points per game), while Sydney’s defence is second in the league, allowing just 86.4 points per game. The Kings also lead the league in opposition field goal percentage, limiting opponents to just 42.1%.

Nathan Sobey vs Sydney Perimeter Defence

Sobey has been a standout for the Phoenix, stepping up in Derrick Walton Jr.’s absence. His ability to create plays and score efficiently will be crucial in breaking down Sydney’s defensive schemes.

Kouat Noi’s Impact Off the Bench

Kouat Noi has been sensational for the Kings, averaging 26 points per game over his last three outings. His three-point shooting will be a key weapon for Sydney, particularly if the starters struggle offensively as they did in their last match against Tasmania.

Key Stats

South East Melbourne’s Scoring Consistency: The Phoenix have not scored fewer than 99 points in their last 11 games.
Sydney’s Defence: The Kings rank second in points allowed (86.4) and lead the league in opposition field goal percentage (42.1%).
Kouat Noi’s Form: Noi has made 3+ three-pointers in four of his last five games.
South East Melbourne’s Home Advantage: The Phoenix have been dominant at the State Basketball Centre, winning their last four games at home.

South East Melbourne Phoenix Form & Team News

The Phoenix are riding a wave of momentum, highlighted by a commanding 102-89 win over the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday. Their offence was firing on all cylinders, with Nathan Sobey delivering a standout performance (28 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block).

Joe Wieskamp and Owen Foxwell have provided critical support off the bench, combining for 29 of the team’s 34 bench points in their last outing. With Derrick Walton Jr. still unavailable, Sobey and Wieskamp’s contributions will be vital against a defensively strong Kings side.

Sydney Kings Form & Team News

The Kings showed resilience in their recent 96-85 win over the JackJumpers, overcoming a poor shooting night (35.8% from the field). Kouat Noi led the way with 32 points off the bench, including four three-pointers, to ensure Sydney’s fourth-quarter dominance sealed the game.

While their defence remains elite, the Kings need better efficiency from their starters to counter South East Melbourne’s high-scoring offence. Sydney will also look to limit turnovers, which have occasionally been their Achilles’ heel in tight contests.

Why South East Melbourne Will Win

The Phoenix’s offence has been virtually unstoppable, scoring over 105 points per game in their last 10 matches. Playing at home and with Nathan Sobey in stellar form, South East Melbourne have the firepower to outlast Sydney in a high-scoring contest.

Why Sydney Kings Will Win

Sydney’s defence is their calling card, and if they can slow the tempo and disrupt South East Melbourne’s rhythm, they have a strong chance. Kouat Noi’s scoring off the bench adds an extra dimension that could prove crucial in a tight game.

Conclusion

This matchup pits South East Melbourne’s potent offence against Sydney’s stifling defence. While the Kings’ defence is formidable, the Phoenix’s home-court advantage and offensive firepower give them the edge in what should be a thrilling contest.