Cheshire Phoenix will host bottom of the table Surrey Scorchers hoping to claim a victory in their return to EPSV after a month away from home in Sunday’s fixture, tipping off at 5:30pm.
Phoenix fan favourite and captain, Larry Austin Jr. will be keen to surpass the 200 mark for league points scored this season. Currently on 160 points, a strong shooting performance could see the American shooting guard become only the fourth player to reach the milestone this season.
There is uncertainty surrounding the fitness and availability of small forward David Ulph for Phoenix ahead of the fixture. Having not played a single minute all season, Ulph recently made his Nix debut, coming on to play just over eight minutes in last Friday’s 74-65 defeat to London Lions in the capital and could be in line to feature against Newcastle Eagles on Friday.
Scorchers have struggled badly this season, picking up just one win from their eight matches played – the single win coming away at Eagles.
The side that finished last season bottom of the standings with just two wins (eight less than any other team) look set for another doomed season unless they can turn things around. Despite their poor form, knowing their only win has come away from home may give Scorchers some hope travelling to an inconsistent Cheshire.
Jamell Anderson may be hoping for a rest against a poor side. Phoenix’s sharpshooter has averaged the third most minutes played this season in the entire league. Phoenix have struggled with fatigue and squad depth this season, which is perhaps a reason for their inability to find a consistent run of form.
Scorchers’ most used player, Padiet Wang, has played a total of 233 minutes so far this season. That is relatively high compared to the rest of the league, but Phoenix have five players who have surpassed that.
The transition periods are likely to be the area that the match will be won and lost in. Both sides have shown to be poor in settled possession with a lack of threatening off-ball movement inhibiting them in offensive areas.
Nix have a statistical advantage in the mid-court areas; three of their players are in the top five league leaders for steals, something that could prove to be crucial.
The match will be broadcast live on BBL Player, starting at 7:45pm. Click here to watch.
