Phoenix Stars Sidelined for Blitz

Photo: South East Melbourne Phoenix Media

The South East Melbourne Phoenix will be without stars Mitch Creek and Ryan Broekhoff for the Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz.

The Phoenix start their campaign with a clash against the Adelaide 36ers on Friday night in Darwin, but Creek (foot) and Broekhoff (hamstring) will remain in Melbourne as they continue their recoveries from injury.

Creek is expected to be ready for his team's season-opener on October 1 against the JackJumpers, while Broekhoff's return date will be re-evaluated closer to Round 1.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Kings will be without Angus Glover (knee) and Biwali Bayles (ankle) for the Blitz, while Cairns' Lat Mayen hasn't travelled due to an ankle sprain. Jesse Wagstaff (hamstring) and TaShawn Thomas (ankle) will miss their team's Blitz opener on Saturday night. 

Tasmania's Clint Steindl (knee), Sam McDaniel (rib) and Will Magnay (knee) are other notable outs for the eight-day tournament in the Northern Territory. 

Every game of the Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz will be shown live and free on Kayo Freebies, starting on Friday, September 16 from 8pm AEST.