Every game of the 2020-21 NBL season is LIVE, FREE and in HD via SBS On Demand, with select games also live on SBS VICELAND
New Zealand Breakers v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Saturday 17:30 AEST tip-off - SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand
1. Phoenix on the cusp of finals
South East Melbourne has had a couple of chances to lock in their spot in the finals and have let them both slip with losses to the Bullets and the Taipans in their past two starts putting them at risk of a top-four finish.
A win in this game will essentially clinch a spot in the finals for the Phoenix and keep their fate in their own hands
The Phoenix is set to take a back to basics approach for this clash as they try to avoid losing three straight with Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets hot on their tail for the fourth and final playoff spot.
"We’ve just got to simplify it," South East Melbourne coach Simon Mitchell said.
"We’ve got to put guys in positions where they do things that they like to do and they do them well… you talk about that tightness – we’ve got to put guys in positions where they feel good.”
Sydney Kings v Brisbane Bullets
Saturday 20:00 AEST tip-off - SBS On Demand
2. Bullets season on the line
The Bullets have been fighting for their playoff lives recently and, as such, have won three in a row.
If South East Melbourne beat NZ, however, Brisbane’s chances of making the finals will be gone.
That being said, if NZ won the earlier game, the Bullets will keep their chances alive with a win in this clash with the Kings.
The pressure is on the boys from Brisbane and it's something the squad is very aware of going into this clash according to coach Andrej Lemanis
“We have no margin for error. We have to win games," he said.
"We’re in that situation where we are playing our final basketball now…This is awesome. This is what you want.
"You want meaningful games. You want to be in a position to be in games that matter. That’s nothing to shy away from. That’s an opportunity to get excited about.”
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How to watch NBL LIVE on SBS
3. Milestone match for Kings
Saturday night's match against the Bullets will mark major milestone's for two of the Kings veterans as Brad Newley marks his 250th NBL match, while centre Daniel Kickert will be playing in his 200th game.
Newley has had an incredible NBL career including winning Rookie of the Year in 2005, NBL All-Star Game MVP and being selected in the ALL NBL 2nd team in 2007 and 2017.
Kickert's career has also featured a number of major achievements including becoming the first member of the NBL's 50-40-90 club. His 45.5% average from behind the arc is the highest three point shooting average of any NBL player in history with more than 200 attempts.
The match will also pay tribute to former Kings and Boomers star Andrew Bogut who earlier this week joined the club's ownership group.
Melbourne United v Adelaide 36ers
Sunday 15:00 AEST tip-off - SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand
4. United gearing up for finals
Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman was quick to dismiss the idea that this game should be labelled a ‘dead rubber’, reminding everyone that this will be “an NBL game” and should be respected accordingly.
“There’s not going to be a resting of our guys but there’s certainly going to be a good share of minutes. We want to come out of there with good form and playing the right way.”
That said, United have locked in their first-place finish and will not be taking any risks with their guys in advance of the finals.
5. Home away from away
This is officially a United home game and was originally scheduled to take place at John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
It has been moved to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre due to Melbourne’s COVID outbreak, gifting the 36ers fans one last opportunity to cheer on their side in NBL21.
