In an exciting matchup, the South East Melbourne Phoenix are set to face off against the Sydney Kings on Thursday, October 23, at 7:30 PM AEDT at the John Cain Arena. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN, with live scores, stats, and breaking news available through the newly enhanced NBL App.
As the Phoenix prepare for this pivotal game, all eyes will be on their defensive strategy against the Kings’ star player, Kendric Davis. After a disappointing performance against Bryce Cotton last week, where their defense was notably lacking, the Phoenix will aim to tighten their approach and minimize Davis’s impact.
On the other side, the Kings are looking to build on their recent success. Xavier Cooks has started strong, showcasing potential even if he hasn’t yet reached peak performance. His struggles with free-throw shooting, currently at a disappointing 25%, will be a key area to watch. The Kings hope to see him regain confidence at the line, potentially allowing him to elevate his overall game.
Phoenix head coach Josh King expressed satisfaction with his team’s consistency in their last game against Illawarra, emphasizing the importance of replicating that performance in order to build momentum. He believes that consistent gameplay is crucial for the team’s development and identity.
Sydney’s coach, Brian Goorjian, echoed similar sentiments after their victory over Perth, highlighting the significance of being competitive through physical play and disrupting opponent strategies. While the Kings may not be the biggest team, their athleticism and length are vital components of their game plan moving forward.
In terms of player availability, the Kings will be missing Keli Leaupepe due to a knee injury and Jason Spurgin with a foot injury, both key contributors as the season progresses.
This matchup presents a great opportunity for both teams to improve their standings early in the season and showcase their growth. As anticipation builds for this thrilling encounter, fans can look forward to another spectacular night of NBL action.