Kings v Phoenix: Preview and how they match up

The Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings have one of the biggest games of the season on Saturday against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

The game comes off a disappointing loss against Melbourne United. The Kings have a two-day turnaround to fly back from Melbourne to face off against the other Melbourne team at home at the Qudos Bank Arena at 5.30 pm.

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Coach Chase Buford in the post-game press conference explained that the Phoenix will be just as tough of a battle. But ensured fans not to expect the same result.

“The Phoenix is a great team, but we’ll be ready," Buford said.

“We’re not going to lay an egg like this on Saturday, I can promise you that.”

The Kings will have to bring their A-game, the Phoenix are undefeated in their first three games and the Kings are 1-2 going into this match-up but have missed star import Jaylen Adams.

The Phoenix have four former NBA players in Ryan Broekhoff, Mitch Creek, Xavier Munford and Zhou Qi. The Kings have three former NBA players in Adams (who will miss the game), Jarell Martin and RJ Hunter.

Going into the game there will be some of the key match-ups:

Battle of the bigs: Jarell Martin v Zhou Qi

Martin and Zhou have faced off before in the NBA and in the NBL Blitz, and with their track record, the result of this game will be dependent on who wins the match-up.

“Qi is a tough load man, really big fella out there,” Martin told 10 News First.

“It is going to be a great battle between us”

Martin has the mobility to run the full-court and can get a head of steam to the basket to move Zhou out of place, while also being able to stretch the floor from three.

This gives Martin an advantage in some situations but both players like to score in and around the basket, where Zhou thrives on both ends. This will come down to if Martin can catch fire from the arc and if coach Buford can manage his offence to avoid running into Zhou at the basket.

Xavier Cooks vs Mitch Creek

The two forwards are similar in a few ways, both can shoot the three, both defend well and both can play as a small-ball four. Both narrowly missed being selected for the Boomers Tokyo squad and are both set for an All-NBL campaign this season.

The pair will likely guard each other and Cooks has a lot to prepare for in guarding Creek who had 36 in his last game against the New Zealand Breakers. Cooks’ number one job is to limit Creek getting to the ring, once he gets downhill there's not much you can do.

Cooks is a silky-smooth scorer, able to get a bucket anyway he likes. The Phoenix have a variety of wings to throw at him, but Cooks will need to use screens and sets to get him around Zhou at the rim.

Others to keep an eye on:

Angus Glover is the Kings' secret weapon, coming back from injury again Glover has the element of surprise on the scouting report. The Phoenix have a great half-court defending centre in Zhou Qi but in the full-court, but the Kings have a chance to break open the game on the fast breaks. Glover is one of many Kings who are forces in transition and that could be an emphasis on Saturday.

Ryan Broekhoff is a panic level shooter, if he is wide-open, you’ve already given up three points. The Kings have many wings to throw at him, Cooks, Glover, Shaun Bruce and Tom Vodanovich will likely take turns contesting the elite sharpshooter.

Dejan Vasiljevic made his return on Thursday night at worked off some rust after his achilles injury. This game should be a better run for DJ as it will be at home and some first game back nerves will be gone. His electric scoring will be a must-watch for Kings fans.

The Kings will play against the Phoenix at 5.30 pm in Qudos Bank Arena this Saturday, December 18 if you haven’t already got your tickets here.

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