Sydney Kings vs South East Melbourne Phoenix NBL Round 15 Game Preview

Jan 2

2 min read

Tip-off is at 7:30pm on Thursday 2nd January at Qudos Bank Arena

Sydney Kings vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Expert Analysis

The South East Melbourne Phoenix head to Qudos Bank Arena to face the Sydney Kings in what promises to be a defensive battle. The Phoenix, in red-hot form, are looking to extend their strong run into the new year, while the Kings hope to rebound from two lackluster performances.

Josh King has turned this South East Melbourne team around since joining the team earlier this season. The squad have their sights firmly set on a finals berth and could potentially finish the round as high as 3rd on the ladder if they win both their games and other results go their way.

Sydney seem to still be struggling with rotations and matchups and were far from impressive in their defeat at the hands of the 36ers on Monday. They have a star-studded roster but have failed to live up to the expectations so far this season.

Key Matchups

Cam Oliver vs. Phoenix Frontcourt

The Kings’ success often hinges on Cam Oliver, but his limited minutes in recent games have raised questions about Brian Goorjian’s rotation decisions. If Oliver is given ample court time, he could be a game-changer, but the Phoenix’s physical frontcourt will aim to neutralize his impact.

Phoenix Defence vs. Sydney’s Offence

South East Melbourne boasts the league's third-best defence, conceding 89.1 points per game. The Kings have struggled offensively, averaging just 89.6 points per game, ranking seventh in the league. This mismatch could be pivotal in determining the game’s outcome.

Matt Hurt vs. Sydney’s Perimeter Defence

Matt Hurt has been in stellar form, averaging 20.1 points over his last five games. Sydney’s defence, which typically excels at guarding the three-point line, will need to lock him down to prevent another high-scoring performance.

Key Stats

Phoenix Form: 10-4 over their last 14 games, including wins in five of their last six.
Kings Defence: Second-best in the league, allowing 86 points per game.
Kings' Recent Struggles: Have lost two straight, including a 111-96 upset to Adelaide.
Matt Hurt: Averaging 20.1 points in his last five games, exceeding 23 points in three of them.

Why South East Melbourne Will Win

The Phoenix have been a transformed team under Josh King, showcasing improved defence and composure in clutch moments. With players like Nathan Sobey and Joe Wieskamp stepping up, they have a balanced offence capable of exploiting Sydney’s inconsistencies. Their recent form and the Kings’ struggles suggest an edge for South East Melbourne.

Why Sydney Will Win

Despite recent losses, the Kings remain a formidable defensive unit. If Cam Oliver can return to form and Goorjian optimizes his rotations, Sydney has the tools to stifle the Phoenix. Additionally, playing at home could give them the boost needed to secure a vital win.

Conclusion

This game pits two of the league’s top defensive teams against each other, suggesting a low-scoring affair. The Phoenix’s recent form and improved execution under Josh King make them the favourites, but Sydney’s defensive capabilities could keep it close. Look for South East Melbourne to edge out a narrow win, with Matt Hurt poised for another standout performance.