{"id":489844,"date":"2026-02-19T09:43:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T09:43:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/489844\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T09:43:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T09:43:16","slug":"a-throwdown-with-everything-to-play-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/489844\/","title":{"rendered":"A Throwdown with everything to play for"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each of the previous 31 Throwdowns between Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix have been critical clash for a number reasons.<\/p>\n

From bragging rights to ladder position and fierce Finals showdowns, they\u2019ve all had a slice of extra spice about them.<\/p>\n

And Thursday\u2019s 32nd edition of the Melbourne derby is no different, with huge post-season ramifications relying on the Round 22 fixture.<\/p>\n

The Phoenix need to win to keep their top-two chances alive, while United must claim victory if they want to finish in fourth spot. Otherwise, they will end the season in fifth spot and host Tasmania in the do-or-die Play-In Qualifier. <\/p>\n

\u201cI expect this game [Thursday night] to be a line in the sand game for United,\u201d two-time NBL MVP Chris Anstey said on Thursday\u2019s episode of NBL Now.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey’ve got one game before a break, and they’ve got an opportunity to prove that they’re ready to go for the playoffs and take a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look at their record over the year, and they’ve beaten every single team in the top six. They’re capable of doing it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s just they haven’t in the last 15 games, for whatever reason.<\/p>\n

\u201c[As such], I just have a feeling they’ll bounce back, leading into the playoffs, [thanks to their] veteran leadership.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Phoenix are very tough, and United is going to need to do it against a team that got them last time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

With fireworks expected on Thursday, it represents a Finals-like atmosphere before the Finals officially tip off.<\/p>\n

When they do, following the FIBA Window, Anstey believes all six of the teams have a legit chance of being crowned as the Hungry Jack\u2019s NBL26 champions.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll six teams remaining should back themselves to beat anyone else,\u201d Anstey said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey [United] have proven that they can [beat anyone] and Tasmania are no different. They’ve been hit with injuries more than the other five and with Scott Roth at the helm, they will embrace that underdog tag and [give it their all], regardless of who steps on the court.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thursday\u2019s Throwdown tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.<\/p>\n

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