How to watch & talking points: SE Melbourne v Perth

03 Jan 2026

south east melbourne phoenix

perth wildcats

In-form South East Melbourne host fellow top six side, Perth, in a Saturday night blockbuster.

South East Melbourne Phoenix (2nd) v Perth Wildcats (5th)
Saturday, January 10, 8pm AEDT
State Basketball Centre

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Talking points

The matchup to watch
On one side you have John Brown III, one of the best defenders in the league and who many believe will win defensive player of the year.

On the other is Kristian Doolittle, the engine room of the Perth Wildcats and his performance usually dictates how the game ends up.

These two will lock horns in what could be an epic battle between two of the league's best.

Like a fine win
Nathan Sobey is in career-best form at the age of 35 and he continues to get better each game.

The veteran playmaker put his team on his back in overtime against the Hawks and piled on points for fun, showcasing his elite shot making and ability to break a game open.

Does Sobey have yet another level to go to before the end of the season?

What they're saying

Phoenix forward DJ Mitchell on playing on a winning side:
"Like anyone would say, winning never gets old, man, and in my career I think I've been part of two winning teams before this.

"But this is a feeling where I'm a little bit older now and, man, the feeling of winning is something I don't know how to explain, but it's what you play for as a kid and what you grow up wanting to do.

"You want to play in front of sold out crowds and come in and play, and give energy. It's a kid's dream out there right now for me."

Perth coach John Rillie on his side's 2-7 record against the NBL's top four sides:
“I don’t break down the record. I break down how have we competed against those guys.

“I think we’ve done a great job of competing against the top teams, but we haven’t had enough to get the wins and that reflects in our record.

"So, that’s where in this particular challenge it is about defending them at the three, and how we handle their pressure goes a long way to having success.