THE NATIONAL Basketball League (NBL) action continues tonight with a blockbuster matchup between cross-town rivals, as the SEM Phoenix take on Melbourne United in another instalment of the Throwdown Series.

Both sides are set to participate in the upcoming postseason, but enter the clash in slightly different form. The Phoenix are one of the heavyweight contenders for the championship, while Melbourne is fighting to stay above the play-in tournament, and will need a win here to remain a chance to finish above the Perth Wildcats.

Although United will come into the match as underdogs, the Throwdown has a way of bringing the best out of both sides, so expect a fiery contest that could go either way at John Cain Arena on Thursday night.

Melbourne United vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix

John Cain Arena
Thursday, February 19 @ 7:30pm

United come into the final round of the season sitting in fifth spot, and are desperate to avoid the play-in and move into the top four by the end of the weekend. The Wildcats sit one spot ahead and have the advantage, so Melbourne will need to beat the Phoenix tonight if they are any chance of avoiding a fifth-placed finish.

United have had the most up-and-down campaign of any side in the NBL, having started their season as the championship favourites, before dropping down the standings following a form slump. Now, they will be looking to knock off a contender heading into the postseason to prove to themselves and others they are still capable of winning it all.

United’s big offseason recruit in Milton Doyle has been solid throughout his first season in Melbourne, but a lack of consistency has stopped him from elevating into the top echelon of performers for the year. However, he has stepped up in big games throughout his time in the NBL, and tonight would be a good time to hit some form heading into the postseason.

The Phoenix are well-placed for a tilt at the championship heading into the postseason, entering the finals with some strong form under their belt. They have been one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBL throughout the fixture, while their defensive commitment has been at the top level of well.

However, tonight could be an important result for South East Melbourne, as the team is looking to push into the top two on the eve of finals and get a better run for the postseason. Although other results will need to fall their way, a win tonight will be needed if they are to claim second spot in the standings.

Although there are plenty of offensive contributors likely to make an impact for the Phoenix, there is no one who can provide a defensive effort quite like John Brown III. The frontrunner for the NBL’s Best Defensive Player, Brown III sets the tone for the Phoenix with his defensive energy, and could be the difference tonight.