Melbourne signed three-time NBL championship winning import Casey Prather earlier this week and will likely start the season alongside Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats as title favourites.

"We will lean on our leaders, guys like Chris Goulding and Dave Barlow who been around, this is their third year doing this [NBA v NBL games] so the club knows what they are doing in terms of scheduling and making sure we have plenty of recovery time," McCarron said.

When pressed on the tightness of the turnaround before the Perth game, McCarron recalled Melbourne and Perth had history of exhausting match-ups.

"I'd like to say we will get the game done quicker than triple overtime," McCarron said referring to their early meeting last season.

"Whenever you play Perth, it doesn't matter where or when, it's going to be a tough game and we'll have to be ready regardless."

McCarron and Phoenix guard Ben Madgen launched the new rivalry between the two Melbourne clubs on Thursday which the NBL has dubbed the "Throwdown" borrowing from the "Showdown" AFL games between Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

Madgen, a native South Australian, said his side wouldn't be daunted by the task of beating a Melbourne side filled with star talent.

"For a new club we want to make a statement in the first game," Madgen said.

"I'm a Crows fan so I'm used to the Showdown, I think Throwdown is a good name and brings some spice to the contest."

The Phoenix have assembled a strong roster which includes such past title winners as Tai Wesley, Adam Gibson and some exciting talent in import guard John Roberson and potential NBA draftee Terry Armstrong, whose power dunks have already impressed Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell during a recent workout.

"The power and ferocity that he throws the ball through the hole with is ridiculous – it's Dominique Wilkins like," Mitchell said.

"It's rare to see power like that. It's a throwback to the Shawn Kemp days."

The Phoenix have an import spot and a local spot to fill and are still waiting to see if star signing Mitch Creek earns an NBA contract, while Melbourne United have one local spot left which will likely be used on a power forward although they are also looking at including a Next Stars signing such as Armstrong.

With Melbourne United the home side for the first Throwdown, the Phoenix will play their first home game at Melbourne Arena against Brisbane Bullets on October 13.