THURSDAY’S clash between the Adelaide 36ers and the SEM Phoenix carries plenty of significance in the context of the season. Not only is it kicking off Round 3 of the National Basketball League (NBL) season, but it gives both teams the opportunity to get on the board for a maiden win.

It has been a rough start to the 2024/25 fixture for the Sixers and the Phoenix, currently sitting in the bottom third of the ladder with neither recording a victory after two weeks of action. However, tonight’s matchup will see one side break their winless streak and rejoin the rest of the competition in the hunt for a finals spot.

However, the team that loses will find themselves in a very tricky spot, as it will be very difficult to claw back into contention in such an even season.

Adelaide 36ers vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix

Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Thursday, October 3 7:30pm AEST

Last week

It was disappointing results all round last weekend for these teams, with the Phoenix in particular finding the going quite tough over the course of Round 2.

South East Melbourne was firstly on the end of a 12-point loss at the hands of its cross town rivals in Melbourne United. The Phoenix had the chance to make a statement victory to kickstart their season but allowed the opposition to take control of the match on the eve of half time and steady the ship home in the final two quarters.

On Sunday, the Phoenix faced off against the New Zealand Breakers in the final game of the round with a shot of redemption at Spark Arena. However, the Breakers got the job done by two points in a thrilling finish, sending the Phoenix spiralling down the standings with a record of 0-3.

After almost beating the championship favourites at HoopsFest in Round 1, the Sixers would have entered their clash with the Cairns Taipans reasonably confident after a strong opening performance. However, Adelaide ran into a red-hot Rob Edwards who dropped 31 points to ensure the Sixers remained winless after two rounds and lead the Taipans to a four-point victory.

Players to watch

Although the Sixers have been competitive throughout the first fortnight of the season, they have not quite been up to scratch with their opponents. One area that could be improved is the performances of Isaac Humphries, who has been underwhelming in his first two outings. At his best, Humphries can punish the opposition on both ends, but has not been as productive in Adelaide’s two losses, and the team’s frontcourt has suffered, so if he can get involved as a scorer and shotblocker against the Phoenix, it will boost the Sixers’ chances significantly.

The Phoenix constructed one of the best offensive rosters in the NBL on paper throughout the offseason, starting with the frontcourt duo of Derrick Walton Jr and Nathan Sobey. Although both have had patches of brilliance at times throughout their first three games together, neither have fired in the same match, and it has cost the team in some big moments. If they can both combine for 30+ points against Adelaide, it completely changes the dynamic of the game.