Phoenix star sidelined for trip West

South East Melbourne Phoenix have copped a massive blow ahead of Round 1, with Nathan Sobey ruled out of the team's clash against Perth on Saturday night.

Sobey has been sidelined due to back tightness, with development player Pat Ryan set to replace him for the trip West.

The 36-year-old had one of the best years of his career across the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season, finishing equal-third in League MVP voting, while averaging 22.5 points, 4.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals a game.

Speaking on NBL Now on Friday, 1990 MVP Derek Rucker said the Phoenix could overcome the loss of their star man better than any other team.

"I think they have durable players even though Sobey could be out," Rucker said.

"I think this team, and the chaos they're going to generate, and the fact they've endured two semi-final losses in consecutive years — I think those are learning moments.

"Right now their complete roster looks really nice."

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South East Melbourne travels to Perth on Saturday night, with tip-off live from 9:30pm AEST, live on ESPN, 9Go! and 9Now. The game will be shown live on 9 in Perth.