Phoenix aim to clip Hawks' wings

The South East Melbourne Phoenix aren't giving too much away on how they plan to defeat the high-flying Illawarra Hawks, but one thing's for sure, they won't be going home without a fight. 

Of course, the Hawks will go in as favourites. They've been the side to beat all season, and with a sold-out WIN Entertainment Centre crowd very much on Illawarra's side, it's going to be an intimidating environment for the visitors to contend with.

But, if any team can overcome adversity, it's the Phoenix. Who can forget they started the season 0-5, sacked their coach, then remarkably bounced back to play Finals? Could they cause a big upset in enemy territory? 

"We’re not gonna win games on the road in shootouts, we need to do the best we can to limit their (the Hawks) second-chance opportunities," Phoenix coach Josh King said. 

The Hawks are first in the league in that category this season (15.2).

"They’re lethal in transition, they’re lethal at crashing the offensive glass and getting second-chance opportunities. We have to limit those situations as much as possible if we want to win this game," King said. 

Both teams are claiming "underdog" status for the Series opener, but it's fair to say a Phoenix win would come as far more of a shock than the Hawks protecting home court. 

“We’re the fourth seed, they’re the one-seed, so it’s a clear underdog,” King said.  

“We’ve had good matches against these guys this year. It’s going to be different in the Playoffs we know, but we’re very familiar with them and they’re very familiar with us so we’re ready to go.”

Live coverage of the opening game of the Hawks/Phoenix Playoffs Series starts from 7pm AEDT on Friday night, live on ESPN.