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The NBL Play-In games continue this Sunday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Adelaide 36ers face off at John Cain Arena. With a semifinal spot on the line, expect an intense battle between two teams hungry for a deep postseason run.
The Phoenix have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, with Josh King leading a stunning turnaround from bottom of the ladder to playoff contenders. But after falling 122-105 to the Perth Wildcats on Tuesday night, they’ll need a serious response to keep their season alive.
Meanwhile, the 36ers are rolling. They took down the Sydney Kings 95-88 on Thursday and are fit, firing, and full of confidence. With top-end talent and momentum on their side, they’ll back themselves to get the job done.
It’s do-or-die basketball—will the Phoenix bounce back on home soil, or will the 36ers surge into the semifinals?
Here is a SEM Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction for Sunday, February 16th 2025.
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SEM Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers
Venue – John Cain Arena
Tip Off – 2.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM | 16-13 | 10-4 | 6-9 |
| Adelaide | 13-16 | 9-6 | 4-10 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM | 96.1 | 91.6 | 187.7 |
| Adelaide | 94.3 | 96.4 | 190.7 |
Playoff Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-1 |
| Adelaide | 1-0 | 0-0 | 1-0 |
Playoff Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM | 105 | 122 | 227 |
| Adelaide | 95 | 88 | 183 |
Quick Game Facts
- Adelaide’s struggles in Melbourne continue—they’ve lost their last seven games at John Cain Arena. Can they break the streak when it matters most?
- Home fortress! South East Melbourne has been dominant at John Cain Arena, winning 10 of their last 11 home games. Can they keep the streak alive?
- Scoring machine! Including finals, Kendric Davis ranks 2nd among qualified players with 25.6 points per game this season. Can he lead the 36ers to victory?
Prediction
The South East Melbourne Phoenix struggled with the basics against the Wildcats on Tuesday but managed to hit some tough shots throughout the contest. Adelaide boasts a more talented top-end group, but the Phoenix pride themselves on tight defense and a fast-paced offense. While this is a final, the Phoenix’s style of play could turn it into a shootout—favoring the 36ers’ elite scorers. Adelaide is a strong chance to secure a semifinal spot at favorable odds.