Preview | R5 Home v SEM Phoenix

The Brisbane Bullets return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Thursday night, looking to bounce back against South East Melbourne Phoenix in captain Mitch Norton’s 400th NBL game and the Bullets' first ever Pink Hoops Game.

After opening NBL27 with back-to-back home wins over the New Zealand Breakers and Illawarra Hawks, the Bullets have their eyes on returning to the winner’s list following three consecutive road defeats. The Bullets enter Round 5 with a 2-3 record, while the Phoenix sit at 2-4.

A full week between games has given the Bullets valuable time to prepare, with head coach Will Weaver embracing the opportunity to refine the team’s systems before Thursday’s clash.

“The luxury it gives you is to really dive into yourself,” Weaver said.

“What it gives you is the chance to really dig into the details of how we do things as a part of our system and then tailor that towards South East Melbourne two or three days before we see those guys.”

Brisbane will be without Lithuanian guard Arnas Velička, who is sidelined with a lower-leg injury until early December. New signing Raul Neto is not yet available, while Mawot Mag has joined the squad as an injury replacement for Sam McDaniel.

Mag arrives at the Bullets following a productive NBL1 South campaign with the Waverley Falcons, averaging 13.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

Thursday’s contest presents Brisbane with an opportunity to turn the page against a Phoenix side that won all three meetings between the teams last season. The Bullets will be determined to reverse that record and build momentum ahead of next Wednesday’s Ignite Cup clash with the Tasmania JackJumpers in Hobart.

Tyrell Harrison will be one to watch after recording 23 points and 12 rebounds in Brisbane’s last win over South East Melbourne, a 116-108 victory in December 2024.

With Norton reaching the 400-game milestone on home court, the Bullets will be keen to mark the occasion with a strong performance in front of their Brisbane fans.

The night will also be dedicated to raising funds and awarness for Tough4T, a charity established to honour the legacy of Queensland basketballer Tiana Mangakahia following her courageous battle with breast cancer.

Fans are encouraged to wear pink and bid on special edition game-worn shooting shirts here.

‍GAME INFO

Who: Brisbane Bullets vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Tip off: 6:30pm (AEST), Thursday 15 October, 2026

Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Tickets: Available Here

Watch: ESPN via Foxtel, Kayo and Disney+