How to watch & talking points: SE Melbourne v Adelaide

22 Nov 2025

south east melbourne phoenix

adelaide 36ers

Second plays third in a huge John Cain Arena matchup between Adelaide and South East Melbourne.

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Adelaide 36ers
Saturday, November 22, 8pm AEDT
John Cain Arena

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Talking points

Phoenix's big moment
The Phoenix are enjoying one of the franchise's best starts to a Hungry Jack's NBL season, sitting in third with a 9-3 record.

Those three defeats though have come at the hands of the two sides, Melbourne (twice) and Adelaide (once), that sit above them on the ladder.

Saturday, in front of their home fans, provides the perfect platform for Josh King's side to make a statement heading into FIBA Break.

Big-game Bryce
Despite dealing with nausea, five-time MVP Bryce Cotton produced an incredible 31 points, 13 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals (with no turnovers) against Illawarra on Wednesday.

That makes it two straight games where he's had more than 31 points and 8 assists in a game with zero turnovers.

Can the three-time champion keep that incredible streak going against a side that he scored 28 points against earlier in the season?

What they're saying

Phoenix coach Josh King on Saturday's matchup with Adelaide:
"I'm excited [for Saturday's game]. It will be good to get into John Cain Arena and have a crack at them (Adelaide).

"They have a whole lot of players who are playing really well.

"It's a tough job and we're going to approach it as any other game, being excited for the challenge and excited to see where we stand against them."

36ers star Bryce Cotton on the importance of Saturday's game:
“It’s a huge game.

“It’s the last one before we all head into the FIBA Break, so we want to make sure we put our best foot forward.

“They’ve got three losses, just like we do, so it’s a double demerit game I guess, if you want to call it that.”