ROUND 2 of the 2024/25 National Basketball League (NBL) season gets underway on Thursday night, with the SEM Phoenix set to take on Melbourne United in another instalment of the Throwdown at John Cain Arena.

After an exciting start to the season at the HoopsFest in Perth, regularly scheduled programming resumes over the upcoming weekend, with action spread around the country over the span of Thursday to Sunday.

What better way to kick off the familiar action than another cross-town clash between the two Melbourne-based sides, both of whom have high aspirations for the 2024/25 fixture after busy off-seasons.

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Melbourne United

John Cain Arena
Thursday, September 26 7:30pm AEST

Last week

Both teams performed strongly in Perth at HoopsFest, although only one side got the win in the first round of the season.

United opened their account with a win over the Tasmania JackJumpers in the season opener at RAC Arena. Melbourne was tested in the first half, but ultimately proved too good for a JackJumpers side that looked underdone and outclassed by United.

The Phoenix could not get an opening win out West, but still performed quite well in their clash against the Perth Wildcats, who were always going to have a significant advantage given it was held in their home state. However, South East Melbourne still showed glimpses of its potential, particularly offensively, and does not look too far off a victory.

Players to watch

United may have lost some of their big names from last season, but bringing in Jack White after winning an NBA Championship with the Denver Nuggets was a massive coup. Although he did not light the world on fire in the first round (14 points, seven rebounds, two assists), White still has the capability to break a game open on any given night, and the Throwdown seems a perfect stage to properly announce his return to the NBL.

Much of the Phoenix’s offence is built around the efforts of Derrick Walton Jr, who is an elite scorer and passer and often generates plenty of scores for the team. However, he will face the tough matchup of reigning NBL Best Defensive Player Shea Ili, who has earned a reputation for making life difficult for the best guards in the competition. Walton Jr. will have to fight through some tough defensive attention, and his ability to maintain his output is vital for South East Melbourne.