Tasmania Jack Jumpers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix NBL Game Preview

Tip-off is at 7:30 PM AEDT, Friday, at Silverdome

Tasmania Jack Jumpers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Analysis

The Tasmania JackJumpers and South East Melbourne Phoenix are set to face off in a clash that brings recent contrasting fortunes into the spotlight. South East Melbourne, led by new coach Josh King, has one of the few successful records on the JackJumpers' home court, having won their last two games in Tasmania. However, with the Phoenix’s defence improving early in the season, they’re set to face a strong challenge against Tasmania’s established defensive might, promising a low-scoring battle this Friday night.

Key Matchups

• Jordon Crawford & Milton Doyle (TAS) vs. South East Melbourne’s Defence: Crawford has shown his playmaking abilities, averaging 6 assists over the last two games. Along with Doyle, the Ants found a way to spread the ball against Brisbane finding alternate ways to score. This new style of offence is unknown for their opposition and will likely challenge the Phoenix defence if they can continue to improve offensively.

• Matt Hurt (SEM) vs. Tasmania’s Frontcourt: Hurt has been a standout for the Phoenix, putting up 19 points and 7 rebounds in his last outing. His scoring and rebounding presence will be key for Phoenix in their bid to control the paint against Tasmania.

• Rebounding Battle - Will Magnay (TAS) vs. Jordan Hunter (SEM): Two of the best Aussie bigs in the NBL will go head-to-head and the winner of this matchup will give a strong advantage to their team. Both have been in and out of form and will need to step up in this one.

  
  

Key Stats

• Defensive Efficiency:

  Tasmania ranks 2nd in the league, conceding only 84.3 points per game. South East Melbourne has also stepped up defensively, allowing just 78 points per game across their last three games, an improvement on their season average of 87.6.

• Field Goal Percentage:

  Tasmania is struggling on offence, shooting just 40.3% from the field, ranking ninth in the NBL. South East Melbourne has been more efficient, converting 44.8% of their shots, including 33% from three-point range.

• Turnovers:

  South East Melbourne ranks 2nd, averaging just 10.8 turnovers per game, which allows them to maintain control and limit fast-break opportunities for their opponents.

• Rebounding:

  Tasmania holds an edge on the boards, averaging 46.3 rebounds per game compared to South East Melbourne’s 39.8, a key factor in what’s likely to be a close game.

  
  

Why South East Melbourne Wins

The Phoenix's recent commitment to defence and under King’s new leadership gives them a strong foundation. With Matt Hurt’s reliable scoring and rebounding and, South East Melbourne brings an unknown factor that Tasmania could struggle to counter. Their recent form, which includes holding opponents to just 78 points across their last three games, bodes well for their chances.

Why Tasmania Wins

Tasmania’s strong defensive setup, which has them conceding just 84.3 points per game, combined with home-court advantage, will be challenging for a South East Melbourne team still adapting to new leadership. The JackJumpers’ recent win against Brisbane highlighted their balanced scoring, with 24 points coming from their bench – a critical development if they’re to share the scoring load and limit South East Melbourne’s impact.

Both teams are coming in with a defensive focus, setting the stage for a gritty, low-scoring battle. With South East Melbourne looking to keep their good form on the road and Tasmania aiming to protect their home court, this clash is shaping up to be a game of defence versus depth. The control of rebounds and efficient shooting could ultimately be the decider.