MVP contender sidelined for top-of-the-ladder showdown at NBL HoopsFest

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With NBL HoopsFest in full swing, a leading MVP contender has been ruled out of a crucial top-of-the-ladder clash.

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On the final day of HoopsFest, the Adelaide 36ers will face the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a blockbuster top-of-the-ladder clash in Perth.

The highly anticipated matchup was set to feature two of the NBL’s leading MVP candidates in Bryce Cotton and Nathan Sobey, but the contest has been dealt a blow with the Phoenix confirming Sobey will miss Sunday’s game due to illness.

“Nathan Sobey will not suit up for tomorrow’s HoopsFest game against Adelaide 36ers due to illness,” the club said on X.

It is a significant loss for South East Melbourne, with Sobey enjoying a standout season, averaging 22.8 points, 4.7 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 35 per cent from three-point range and 44 per cent from the field.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 16: Dj Mitchell of the Phoenix and Nathan Sobey of the Phoenix and Jordan Hunter of the Phoenix during the round five NBL match between Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on October 16, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The Phoenix have won three of their past five games, with Sobey underlining his importance by scoring at least 24 points in each of those five outings.

His absence now places increased responsibility on Owen Foxwell and Ian Clark to provide the necessary scoring and playmaking as the Phoenix attempt to close the gap on the ladder leaders, currently sitting three wins behind Adelaide.

For the 36ers, the game presents an opportunity to respond after a disappointing loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers snapped their five-game winning streak.

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Bryce Cotton will also be eager to bounce back following a quieter performance by his standards, finishing with 15 points and five assists. However, even without Sobey, the Phoenix remain a dangerous opponent and have proven in the past they are capable of limiting Cotton’s impact.

The matchup shapes as a fitting finale to HoopsFest in Perth and offers Wildcats fans a final chance to cheer on Cotton – this time in 36ers colours.

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