DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Round 22 v South East Melbourne Phoenix

After 32 games, our seed for the Hungry Jacks NBL26 Play-In is set to come down to our final regular season game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Since the Phoenix’s formation, we have dominated these Throwdown clashes, winning 21 of the 31 previous matchups. 

While we have won two of the three games against the Phoenix so far this season, our cross town rivals are in strong form, having won nine of their past 12 games.

A win could see us rise into fourth on the table and set up another Throwdown matchup in the Play-In, but a loss would lock us into fifth and a home elimination game against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Knowing this is the team’s final chance to gather momentum ahead of the postseason, Kyle Bowen touched on the mindset within the playing group heading into Thursday.

“It’s almost like playoff basketball is here already,” Bowen said.

“There’s a lot of focus on us, we’ve talked a lot about our confidence and our discipline within our walls… The boys just want to go out there and compete.

“Momentum plays such a big part in playoff runs, so getting a great performance for four quarters in the South East game is going to be really important for us looking forward.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

While we weren’t able to secure a victory to close Round 21 against the Hawks, Tyson Walker showcased his ability to lead the team with his aggressive play.

The import guard finished with a season-high 30 points to go along with four assists, three rebounds and two steals.

Walker has already displayed an ability to hurt the Phoenix with his scoring in the past this season, tallying 24 points in Round 8 when the two sides met.

For South East Melbourne, Nathan Sobey has continued to lead the way with his scoring across their past three games, however his efficiency has seen a sharp drop (38% from the field, 24% from three).

DETAILS

Who: Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Thursday 19 February, 2026

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN 

Tickets: Limited remaining

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