Phoenix star out, new signing to debut

South East Melbourne star Mitch Creek will miss Saturday’s clash between the Phoenix and Illawarra, but new import Abdel Nader will suit up for his NBL debut in Gisspland. 

Creek suffered a knee injury in the final quarter of the 28-point blowout loss to Melbourne United on Thursday, and head coach Mike Kelly immediately cast doubt onto whether the Phoenix’s all-time leading scorer would be able to suit up for the club’s annual regional game.

NBA veteran Nader was announced as the club’s replacement for departed import Will Cummings earlier this week, but was unable to participate in the Throwdown due to only arriving in the country on the morning of the game.

Nader played over 200 times in the NBA and was named D-League Rookie of the Year in 2017.

The Phoenix’s clash with Illawarra is set for Saturday night at 5:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo.