How to watch & talking points: SE Melbourne v Melbourne

Thursday, November 6, 2025

south east melbourne phoenix

melbourne united

Throwdown 30 looms as one of the biggest Melbourne derbies in recent memory

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Melbourne United
Saturday, November 8, 8pm AEDT
John Cain Arena

How to watch‍

‍Watch every game live on ESPN.

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Talking points

Top two battle
‍There’s probably never been a more enticing Throwdown than this one, with United sitting top of the standings and the Phoenix trying to take that spot.

Melbourne has lost two straight games; after beginning the season 9-0 and Josh King has his Phoenix looking every bit of the contender that fans had hoped.

Expect tensions to boil over in this one and may the best Victorian team win.

Sobey for MVP
Nathan Sobey is playing at a career-best level and is a major reason as to why the Phoenix are sitting where they are to this point of the season.

He’s not only scoring the ball as efficiently and productively as ever, but it’s the way he’s leading this young Phoenix team that would have King pleased.

While Bryce Cotton may be the favourite for the MVP right now, Sobey has found himself right in the middle of that conversation.

What they're saying

Phoenix coach Josh King on their Throwdown opponents:
"It's going to be a really good challenge for us to kind of see where we're at against the best team in the league.

"I don't get into all that little brother, big brother [talk], although we do play with that chip on our shoulder mindset.

"They're the best team in the league and have been the benchmark for a while."

United forward Finn Delany on how his team will bounce back from two straight losses:
"We have a lot of experienced guys, and this is the NBL, it’s been such a great league over the last five to ten years, because anyone can beat any team on any floor on any given day.

“We have to learn from this. We’ve got a big one on Saturday against South East, we’ve got to come out with a different intent.”