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Round 2 of the NBL26 season continues this Thursday night with a blockbuster Throwdown at John Cain Arena, as Melbourne United host the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Both teams have made strong starts to their NBL26 campaigns. Melbourne is rolling with back-to-back wins over Tasmania and New Zealand, while the Phoenix impressed in their season opener, dominating the Cairns Taipans with a standout defensive display led by new import John Brown III.
The Throwdown is always one of the hottest tickets on the NBL calendar, and this clash should be no different. Dean Vickerman’s United will be out to make a statement, while Josh King’s Phoenix will look to back up their defensive masterclass and claim early bragging rights in Melbourne.
Here is a Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Prediction for Thursday, September 25th 2025.
Be sure to check back before each NBL26 Match for NBL Previews, NBL Head to Head Predictions, NBL Tips, NBL Picks and NBL Predictions for matches of NBL Season 26.
Melbourne United vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Venue – John Cain Arena
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | 2-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| SEM | 1-0 | 1-0 | 0-0 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | 101 | 83 | 184 |
| SEM | 114 | 77 | 191 |
Quick Game Facts
- High scoring has been the trend — the last two clashes between these sides have combined for an average of 201 points
- United’s recent home form points to offense, with an average game total of 194 points across their last five at John Cain Arena
- Nine of the last 11 matches between Melbourne and South East Melbourne have gone UNDER the total match points line.
Quick Player Facts – Melbourne United
- Jesse Edwards has made an immediate impact for United, putting up 16 points and 8 boards a game across their opening two victories
- Milton Doyle loves sharing the rock — he’s dished out 4+ assists in each of his last 4 games against South East Melbourne.
- Doyle can score too — he’s dropped 15+ points in 4 of his last 5 appearances.
Quick Player Facts – SEM Phoenix
- John Brown III turned defence into offense in Round 1, grabbing 6 steals and disrupting Cairns with constant pressure
- Owen Foxwell has stepped up — scoring 10+ points in each of the Phoenix’s last 3 games.
- Nathan Sobey shines as the underdog — he’s posted 17+ points in 4 straight games when South East Melbourne weren’t favoured.