Phoenix Host Brisbane Bullets in NBL Clash at Gippsland

The South East Melbourne Phoenix will face the Brisbane Bullets in a highly anticipated National Basketball League (NBL) matchup on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium in Traralgon. The game, which is sold out, will be broadcast live on ESPN at 8 p.m. AEDT.

The Phoenix, currently fifth on the NBL ladder with an 11-10 record, return home after a 2-1 road trip to start 2025. This marks their first home game of the year and their annual regional game in Gippsland, hosted in partnership with the Latrobe City Council and the Victorian State Government. The Phoenix hold a 2-1 record at the venue but aim to bounce back from a tough loss to the Illawarra Hawks in NBL24.

Brisbane Bullets, sitting seventh with a 10-11 record, enter the game fresh off a nine-point victory over the New Zealand Breakers. Despite missing key players, including centre Tyrell Harrison due to concussion, the Bullets will welcome back Next Star Rocco Zikarsky and import Keandre Cook. However, they will be without James Batemon for the rest of the season, replaced by import Josh Adams.

Phoenix captain Nathan Sobey, a former Bullets player, will be a key figure to watch. Sobey scored 25 points in their last meeting, a 108-116 loss to Brisbane in Round 12. After a quiet performance in their recent win over Tasmania, Sobey is expected to lead his team in seeking their first victory over the Bullets this season.

The Phoenix boast a full squad for the game, while the Bullets will rely on their depth to overcome personnel challenges. Historically, the Bullets hold a slight edge in head-to-head matchups, with a 9-8 record against the Phoenix in the regular season.

Fans attending the game are encouraged to arrive early, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and limited parking available. The event will feature a packed activation zone, offering pre-game entertainment and activities.