Tasmania JackJumpers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix NBL Round 15 Game Preview

Jan 3

3 min read

Tip-off is at 4:30pm AEDT on Sunday 4th January at MyState Bank Arena

Tasmania JackJumpers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Expert Analysis

The Tasmania JackJumpers face off against the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Hobart in a contest that could have major implications for both teams' seasons. Tasmania enters the game riding a franchise-record eight-game win streak, while South East Melbourne looks to bounce back from a frustrating loss to Sydney despite dominating most of the game.

Historically, the Phoenix have had the upper hand against the JackJumpers, winning seven of the last ten matchups, including their most recent encounter in Tasmania. However, Tasmania’s current form makes this matchup more intriguing, as they have addressed their early-season scoring issues and remain the league’s top defensive unit.

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Key Matchups

Milton Doyle vs. Nathan Sobey

Milton Doyle has been the backbone of Tasmania’s offensive resurgence during their win streak. Nathan Sobey, the Phoenix’s go-to scorer, will need to match Doyle’s production and provide consistent scoring across all four quarters.

JackJumpers’ Bench vs. Phoenix’s Interior Defense

Tasmania's bench, led by Anthony Drmic, has been pivotal, averaging 32.5 points per game. The Phoenix, who allowed 50 points in the paint against Sydney, must tighten their interior defense to limit Tasmania’s second-unit impact.

Key Stats

Tasmania’s Defense: JackJumpers allow a league-low 83.3 points per game.
South East Melbourne’s Scoring: The Phoenix have scored 100+ points in five of their last six games.
Bench Battle: Tasmania ranks 3rd in bench points, averaging 32.5 per game.
Head-to-Head Dominance: South East Melbourne has won 7 of the last 10 games against Tasmania.

Tasmania JackJumpers Form & Team News

Tasmania extended their win streak to eight games with a 95-86 victory over Brisbane. Their recent success has been built on improved scoring, averaging 92.8 points per game during the streak, and their trademark defensive tenacity, allowing just 83.3 points per game—the best in the NBL.

Anthony Drmic has been a key contributor off the bench, scoring 19 points on 61% shooting in their last game. The JackJumpers’ balanced approach and bench depth have been instrumental in their resurgence, but they face a stern test against a Phoenix team that has troubled them in the past.

South East Melbourne Phoenix Form & Team News

The Phoenix are coming off a disappointing loss to Sydney, where they squandered a 13-point halftime lead and were outscored 38-16 in the fourth quarter. Nathan Sobey led the way with 23 points, but turnovers (18) and points allowed in the paint (50) proved costly.

Despite their struggles, South East Melbourne remains one of the better two-way teams in the league, ranking 4th in defense (90.2 points allowed per game) and 5th in offense (92.9 points scored per game). Their ability to execute under pressure and avoid costly lapses will be key against a disciplined JackJumpers squad.

Why Tasmania Will Win

The JackJumpers’ defense is the best in the league, and their ability to limit scoring opportunities has been a major factor in their eight-game win streak. If Milton Doyle continues to lead the offense efficiently and the bench contributes as it has been, Tasmania can capitalize on South East Melbourne’s defensive lapses in the paint.

Why South East Melbourne Will Win

The Phoenix’s dominance over Tasmania in head-to-head matchups cannot be ignored. Their offensive firepower, led by Sobey, gives them the ability to break down even the best defenses. If South East Melbourne can limit turnovers and maintain consistency across all four quarters, they have the tools to end Tasmania’s streak.

Conclusion

This game pits Tasmania’s defensive strength against South East Melbourne’s offensive firepower and historical dominance in the matchup. While the JackJumpers’ current form suggests they are favorites, the Phoenix’s ability to execute on the road, combined with their balanced scoring, makes them a live underdog.

Expect a close game, with South East Melbourne having the edge if they control the paint and limit mistakes.