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Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix NBL Betting Tips - Phoenix to start semi-final series with a win

ryan-tucker
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Last updated: Mon 09 Mar 2026 13:01
The South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers showdown promises a thrilling NBL encounter. With the Phoenix being the highest-scoring team this season, they look to continue their prowess against Adelaide, who secured second place on the ladder despite inconsistent performance. South East Melbourne's collective teamwork and strategic play led them successfully past Perth Wildcats. The article suggests backing SEM for their offensive capabilities and expecting standout performances from Ian Clark and Jordan Hunter. Meanwhile, Adelaide needs to address their depth issue to stay competitive.
Ryan Tucker 09 Mar 2026
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  • Tip-off is at 7:30 PM AEDT at Adelaide Entertainment Centre
  • Phoenix are the top scoring team in NBL
  • Back SEM, Ian Clark and Jordan Hunter for standout performances
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adelaide 36ers phoenix
Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix meet in the semi-finals (Getty Images)

Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Preview


The Phoenix finished the season as the top scoring team in the NBL and with more than 100+ points per game they can edge Adelaide in the first match of the series. Back SEM to go over their 91.5 team total and win the game.

  • SEM won both the recent matchups in Adelaide and have won 5 of the last 7 head to head.
  • The Phoenix finished the regular season as the top point scoring team with an average of 100.7 pts per game. Last year they averaged 96.2 pts across their 5 finals games.
  • Ian Clark has passed this number in 4 of his last 5 games and scored 12 and 27 pts v Adelaide in his two matchups against them earlier this season.
  • Jordan Hunter averages 6.8 rebounds in his career v Adelaide and has surpassed this number in 11 straight games against them.

Adelaide 36ers Finish In Second Spot


Adelaide secured second spot on the ladder at the end of the regular season and have been able to rest up while watching the Play-In tournament. 

Their form over the last few rounds was wildly inconsistent, they lost the Ignite Cup Final and 3 of their last 5 regular season matchups. Bryce Cotton was pulling 40 minute games in what is trending as too big a reliance on the league’s top scorer.

The 36ers depth has been a problem all season. If their main stars are having an off night, there aren’t many people to turn to that can deliver a bucket to get them out of trouble.

Adelaide finished the season fourth in scoring and fourth in Defence.

South East Melbourne Phoenix Play-In To Semi-Finals


South East Melbourne took care of the Perth Wildcats in their Play-In Qualifier winning 111-94. 

They shot out to an early lead and held serve the whole match, Perth delivered a barrage of points late but couldn’t bring the score closer.

The thing that has been most impressive with this team over the course of the season is how the work is spread around. 

They are the definition of a team. No one player is logging massive minutes and on any given night its Nathan Sobey, Owen Foxwell, Jordan Hunter or Angus Glover that is delivering on the scoresheet. 

They were the only team to finish the regular season with a scoring average of 100+ pts and while they still allow 92.8 pts per game to their opponents, its the pace of the game that is the main contributor there. 

Verdict

Take the Phoenix on the moneyline and to go Over their 91.5 team total. Ian Clark has had success against Adelaide, take him to go Over 13.5 pts and Jordan Hunter to have over 5.5 rebounds.

Best Bet1: SEM Phoenix Moneyline @9/8 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: SEM over 91.5 Team Total @17/20 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: I Clark over 13.5 Points @7/8 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: J Hunter over 5.5 Rebounds @4/5 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
SEM Phoenix
Moneyline
@9/8 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets
SEM over 91.5
Team Total
@17/20 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

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Bet at bet365
I Clark over 13.5
Points
@7/8 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
J Hunter over 5.5
Rebounds
@4/5 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

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Adelaide 36ers v South East Melbourne Phoenix