How to watch South East Melbourne v New Zealand: CODE Sports NBL Blitz

Both the Phoenix and Breakers will go into Friday night's game at close to full strength, with plenty of fresh faces across the board.

New Zealand has vowed to return to its roots and go 'Back in Black', welcoming local Izayah Le'fa, Rob Loe and Reuben Te Rangi home, while South East Melbourne has completely retooled its import rotation for the new year.

Josh King and Petteri Koponen will be hanging for the opportunity to see their teams' progress against genuine opposition.

South East Melbourne Phoenix v New Zealand Breakers
Friday, August 29, 5.30pm AEST
AIS Arena, Canberra

How to watch‍

‍Watch every game live on Disney+ and Kayo.

How to follow

‍Live scores, stats and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.

Download it now for your chance to win an iPhone 16.

Get tickets‍

Tickets are available via Ticketek.

NBL26 depth charts

South East Melbourne
Potential depth chart:
PG: Maldonado (IP) / Foxwell
SG: Sobey / Glover / Foster (DP)
SF: Bleijenbergh (IP) / Lewis (NS)
PF: Brown III (IP) / Mitchell / Biggar (DP)
C: Hunter / Gak / Aliir

New Zealand
Potential depth chart:
PG: Jackson-Cartwright (IP) / Britt / McNaught (DP)
SG: Brockington (IP) / Le'Afa / Cooper (DP)
SF: Lopez (NS) / Bairstow / Davison / Judd (DP)
PF: Baker II (IP) / Te Rangi / Darling
C: Mennenga / Loe

Missing in action

South East Melbourne's Akech Aliir (personal reasons) will miss both games at the Blitz.

New Zealand's Rob Baker II will also sit out the tournament.

Talking points

John Brown III long awaited debut
‍A couple of seasons ago, it looked as if John Brown III would be part of a late Wildcats run to the post-season, before he was deemed ineligible and didn’t play.

Now, he arrives in South East Melbourne and brings his impressive defensive reputation to team up with Josh King’s coaching style.

If Brown plays anywhere near like he has been in Europe, the Best Defensive Player award may have his initials already engraved on it.

PJC returns
‍At one moment last season, it looked as if Breakers fans might not see Parker Jackson-Cartwright again, but the MVP candidate returns to New Zealand focused on getting the club back to the top.

The superstar point guard has quickly made himself a household name since entering the league and has proven that he can take over a game single handedly if required.

The NBL’s Unicorn
Vrenz Bleijeinberg has been dubbed as the NBL’s “unicorn” due to his 6’10” frame and versatility to play any position on the floor.

The Belgium native can handle the ball like a guard and score out of the post like a big, and it’s that combination of how he plays that will give King plenty of options.