South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Perth Wildcats NBL Round 7 Game Preview
Tip-off is at 2:30pm AEDT at John Cain Arena
Both the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Perth Wildcats hit the floor on Sunday with only two days’ rest after Friday night games. Perth may be adjusting without Bryce Cotton, but the team’s new-found style is setting up a potential shootout in this match.
South East Melbourne faces a tough challenge against a Perth team that has thrived historically on short rest and showed impressive scoring versatility in Cotton’s absence.
Key Matchups
Matt Hurt (SEM) vs. Perth’s Interior Defence: Hurt has been central for the Phoenix, scoring 24 points against Tasmania, while SEM excels at limiting opponent points in the paint (allowing only 34.9 per game). If Hurt can exploit Perth’s interior defence, SEM can control the tempo.
Perth Shooters vs. SEM Perimeter Defence: The Wildcats drained 54% of their threes against Illawarra, with Henshall and Windler among those who will look to take advantage of SEM’s weak perimeter defence (allowing 35.5%).
Ben Henshall (PER) vs. SEM Defence: Henshall scored 26 points and shot 62% from deep in recent games. As Perth’s primary perimeter scorer in Cotton’s absence, he’ll look to stretch SEM’s defence early and often.
Key Stats
South East Melbourne’s Paint Defence: Ranks 2nd in limiting opponent points in the paint, allowing only 34.9 per game. Allows a league 3rd-highest 3-point percentage (35.5%), creating opportunities for Perth's shooters.
Perth’s Three-Point Focus: Ranks 3rd in the NBL in three-point attempts per game (30.8). Went 5-2 on two days’ rest last season, showing resilience on a short turnaround.
Phoenix on Short Rest: Lost 1 of their 3 games last season on short rest, falling to Illawarra in their only similar situation this year.
Why Perth Wins
Without Cotton, Perth has developed a more cohesive ball-sharing approach, with six players hitting double digits in Friday’s win and shooting a blistering 54% from three. Henshall’s breakout game showed Perth’s scoring depth, and if their outside shooting holds up, the Wildcats could overcome SEM’s strong interior defence.
Why South East Melbourne Wins
hoenix can disrupt Perth’s offence by protecting the paint, where Perth has struggled without Cotton’s presence. With Hurt and Joe Wieskamp contributing efficiently on offence, SEM has the tools to outlast Perth in a lower-scoring, physical contest, particularly if they control the boards and limit second-chance points.
Conclusion
This clash could come down to which team’s strengths prevail—Perth’s perimeter shooting or SEM’s stifling interior defence. With Henshall heating up and the Wildcats’ impressive history on short rest, Perth might edge out a close win. However, if Phoenix can lock down the paint and contest the three-point line, they have a solid chance to secure another road win in a tight contest.
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