A MATCHUP between two heavyweight contenders is set to close out Round 17 of the National Basketball League (NBL) when the Sydney Kings face off against the SEM Phoenix in a blockbuster clash at State Basketball Centre on Wednesday night.

With the 2024/25 fixture coming to a close, the ladder is still set to be shaped ahead of an enthralling race for the championship. Home court advantage may be a decisive factor come finals time, and tonight’s clash could prove vital in the shape of the postseason.

State Basketball Centre is no stranger to big scores, as demonstrated by a double-overtime classic in 2022, where Mitch Creek (46 points) and Derrick Walton Jr (45 points) duelled in a high-scoring clash, and Wednesday’s affair could prove something similar.

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Sydney Kings

Wednesday, January 22 @7:30pm
State Basketball Centre

THE TEAMS

The Phoenix have emerged as one of the best teams in the competition since the appointment of Josh King as head coach in late October. Although the coaching change may have seen reactive at the time, it has completely shaped South East Melbourne’s season, and the team is now one of the biggest contenders for the title. Sitting in fifth spot with the chance to move into the top four if other results go their way, the Phoenix are well placed heading into the pointy end of proceedings.

The Kings may not be setting the world on fire, but they are quietly getting the job done heading towards finals. With a loaded roster and Brian Goorjian at the helm, Sydney has been suffocating teams on the defensive end, slowing down even the most productive of sides in its path. If the Kings can get all their big guns firing and continue to be stingy on the defensive end.

LAST TIME THEY MET

These two sides locked horns just two rounds ago at Qudos Bank Arena on January 2, and it was the Kings that got the job done with a masterful comeback. Despite trailing by as much as 18 points in the third quarter, Sydney rallied behind a 21-point fourth-term effort from star point guard Jaylen Adams to overrun the Phoenix and claim one of its best wins of the season.

KEY PLAYERS

There has been no better performer for the Phoenix this season than Matt Hurt, with the forward proving to be one of the best scorers in the NBL. Averaging 20.5 points per game, he has been steadfast throughout the season, proving a reliable source of scoring and showing why the Phoenix signed him over the off-season. If he can produce another 30+ point performance, it will go a long way towards getting the Phoenix to a winning total.

The Kings may have secured a number of big signings prior to the season, but none were more important than retaining Xavier Cooks following a stint in the NBA with the Washington Wizards. The former NBL MVP has been back to his best this season, averaging 16.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.3 blocks on 58 per cent shooting from the field. He still has the best motor of any player in the game, and steps up in big matches like this.

PREDICTION

Phoenix by five points.