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SOUTH East Melbourne Phoenix guard Kyle Adnam is predicting a physical game packed with intensity when his side takes on Melbourne United at the Bendigo Stadium on Sunday in the NBL.
For both clubs "Throwdown V" will be their first games of the season in Victoria after stints interstate.
What was meant to be a five-day trip to Cairns turned into 18 days for United following border closures, while the Phoenix has been on the road longer, spending time in Hobart, Adelaide and Perth since January 1.
"It has been getting near on a month that we've been away, but the game in Bendigo is certainly a really important one for us and I'm sure the fans in Victoria are going to love having NBL basketball back in our state," Adnam said on Friday.
"There's a nice rivalry building between the two Melbourne teams and the fans in Victoria have really been getting around it, which has been great.
"We're really looking forward to this game... to be able to play in regional Victoria in front of some really avid basketball fans is going to be great."
The Phoenix are in their second season in the NBL as the competition's newest team.
Sunday's clash against Melbourne United pits 27-year-old Adnam against a club he knows well.
Adnam previously spent three years with Melbourne United, including winning a championship with the club in 2018.
"The roster has definitely changed a bit from when I was there," Adnam said.
"Chris Goulding, who was my room-mate and is a good friend, is still there, as is Dave Barlow.
"But we've got a few former Melbourne United guys with us in Simon Mitchell and Eric Hollingsworth, which is the journey of the NBL.
"I think Bendigo is going to see a very intense game between two teams that really want to win.
I think Bendigo is going to see a very intense game between two teams that really want to win
- Kyle Adnam - South East Melbourne Phoenix guard
"United is a very talented outfit and we feel we've made some real strides since the pre-season, so we're really looking forward to facing them.
"I think it's going to be a really physical and up-tempo game."
The Phoenix will hit Bendigo on Sunday having played four games.
They lost their season-opener to Adelaide on January 17 116-108, then bounced back three days later to beat the 36ers 89-83.
They then headed west to take on defending champion Perth and were beaten 88-76, before facing the Wildcats again on Friday night.
Championship favourite United has made a 2-0 start to its season.
Sunday's game at the Bendigo Stadium tips off at 3pm.
The Bendigo Stadium is at reduced 50 per cent capacity due to COVID restrictions, with all tickets sold.
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