36ers aim to shoot down Bullets

Adelaide 36ers will travel to Brisbane for a Friday night showdown with the Bullets to open NBL Heritage Round.

The Bullets will be keen to bounce back from last Friday night’s 117-89 loss to the Wildcats in Perth, while Adelaide will be hoping to stop a two-game losing streak.

Both sides will be missing key players for Friday night’s clash, with the depth to be tested and opportunities for rising stars to stake their claim in the league.

Adelaide will again be without import pair Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell (suspension), while the Bullets will be missing Sam McDaniel (shoulder) and Deng Adel (hand), with question marks remain over the availability of Josh Bannan (ankle), Jarred Bairstow (ankle) and Tohi Smith-Milner (concussion). 

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THE KEY
Brisbane boast a huge frontcourt of Next Star sensation Rocco Zikarski and New Zealand international Tyrell Harrison.

Both Zikarski and Harrison will play key roles against the 36ers, who will be minus the suspended Harrell.

Big man Isaac Humphries will be keen to continue his final quarter performance against Tasmania into this Friday night’s clash, the reigning Mark Davis Trophy winner will be a huge factor at both ends of the court.

Zikarski and Harrison are genuine rim protectors and have the ability to dominate the glass and give their side extra possessions.

THE SECRET
The last time James Batemon played at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the import guard scored 51 points against the Perth Wildcats.

Batemon will return to home court full of confidence and Adelaide will need to shut him down early, with Sunday Dech most likely getting the first assignment.

The 27-year-old only managed 10 points against the Wildcats in last round’s rematch, but is the Bullets main avenue to the basket.

Fellow import Casey Prather could also play a big role after the three-time NBL champion got back to his former best last round with 31 points against the Wildcats.

DEPTH CHART
Norton / Naar
Batemon / White
Cook / Savage
Prather / Devers / Kunen
Harrison / Zikarski

FINAL WORD
With both sides searching to get their season back on track after losses last round, the momentum early will be vital in this game.

Adelaide will need to silence the home crowd, with the Bullets celebrating the 40th anniversary of their 1985 NBL championship win against the 36ers.

Brisbane have multiple weapons who can step up and take the game away, and the 36ers need to prove to themselves, and the competition, that the side can play on the road.

The 36ers will be better for the run after last week's clash against Tasmania and will be better prepared without star import duo Davis and Harrell.