The Cheshire Phoenix will be looking to extend their win streak to six as they travel to Leicester Riders in the Super League this evening.
It’s been a season of two halves so far for Phoenix. Their first three games resulted in three straight losses, but they’ve since turned this around with five wins on the bounce.
However, there is still a worry on form away from home. Four of those five wins have come at home and Phoenix still hold a 1-3 record away from the Cheshire Oaks Arena.
Leicester Riders, who were last year’s SLB play-off winners, come into the game with a record of 2-5. They will be looking to use their home court advantage to get back on track and end their early season struggles.
The Cheshire side are coming off a high scoring affair against Sheffield Sharks in which they won 114-95. Pat Robinson was the man of the day posting 31 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Robinson has impressed all season leading the team in both scoring (18.4ppg) and assists (4.1apg).
It isn’t just Phoenix with a man in form. The Riders have their own special weapon in RaeQuan Battle. The forward-guard so far averages 20.3 points and 5.5 rebounds, the highest in his team for both. Battle has proved to be the perfect all-rounder in his first season with The Riders.
Defensively, Phoenix have had issues, giving away cheap fouls and conceding one of the highest three point % allowed in the league (39.9%). Despite this they have found some rhythm since the opening three and their offence has been able to balance things out.
The Phoenix also go into the game having played two more fixtures than The Riders. Although we are yet to see whether that will give a fatigue disadvantage or chemistry boost.
Both sides have experienced poor form in the early stages of this season, and it would be expected that it will be a fast-paced and competitive contest.
Phoenix will be looking to translate their impressive home form to the road. For Leicester, victory could provide a needed morale boost to spark some life into their season.
A win for The Phoenix could see them tie points with league leaders London Lions although they do have two games in hand.
On paper it might look favourable for Phoenix, but last season showed how good The Riders can be with their play-off win and second placed finish in the league. Although there was a roster shake-up the quality is still there.
Eyes will be set to see whether Phoenix can continue their charge, or if The Riders can use their home advantage to throw them off track.
Tip-off is set for 7:30pm at the Mattioli Arena and will be available to watch on DAZN.
