IN THE pick of the 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) semi-final matchups, battle will commence between the SEM Phoenix and the Adelaide 36ers with a spot on the Championship Series on the line as two contenders lock horns.

The Sixers and Phoenix have been two of the best sides throughout NBL26, and it is fitting that they will meet in the penultimate stage of the postseason. Having split their results at two wins apiece throughout the fixture, South East Melbourne will look to start its campaign off strongly by stealing a game in enemy territory.

However, the Sixers have an arsenal of talent, which could be enough to see the team from South Australia win it all in the coming weeks, although they will need to begin by overcoming a well-coached and tough Phoenix outfit.

Adelaide 36ers vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix

Game One
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Tuesday, March 10 @ 7:30pm

The Sixers finished the season in second spot having been one of the best teams in the competition over the back half of the fixture. Coming into the season with high expectations following their aggressive off-season recruiting, Adelaide is well-placed to live up to the hype, and will enter tonight’s encounter as favourites at home.

However, the Phoenix have won their last two games against the Sixers, including one victory in South Australia, so Adelaide will be certainly looking to flip the narrative. Getting on top on the rebounds will be crucial to winning this match, as the premier team on the glass has won the all four games between the teams this season, so look for Adelaide’s frontcourt to physically impose themselves tonight.

There is no bigger factor for the Sixers than six-time MVP Bryce Cotton, who will be the man for Adelaide not only tonight, but for the remainder of their postseason campaign. Coming off another top individual honour as the competition’s best player, he averages 23 points and five assists per game in the playoffs and is set for a big couple of weeks once again.

The Phoenix missed out on the chance to book in a top two spot, but had no troubles making it through the play-in tournament with a convincing win over the Perth Wildcats. There is no doubting that the Phoenix have been one of the championship heavyweights throughout the 2025/26 season, but tonight lays the beginning of a true test of their title aspirations.

Behind head coach Josh King, the Phoenix have employed a gritty style of play that has got the most out of every player in the rotation. They have pillars on both ends of the floor and as mentioned above, have gotten the better of the Sixers in the last two encounters, and although in enemy territory tonight, will be every chance of going 1-0 up in the series.

The energy around the Phoenix on the court changed when the team signed John Brown III, who was renowned for his defensive prowess and intensity. It was a brilliant addition, with the forward winning the NBL’s Best Defensive Player and consistently setting the tone for the Phoenix. Tonight, he will look to slow down one of the most stacked rosters in the NBL, and will need to lead by example if South East Melbourne is to successfully restrict Adelaide.