36ers set for Kings battle out West

Adelaide 36ers will open their NBL25 regular season campaign at HoopsFest in Perth against Sydney Kings on Sunday.

The 36ers will face a new-look Kings roster, headlined by Xavier Cooks and returning head coach Brian Goorjian.

Sixers head coach Mike Wells said his side is ready for the challenge against a Sydney team which has been touted championship favourites in the pre-season.

“The Kings and their roster and their coach, they have a standard and they have their brand,” Wells said.

“Their head coach and everything he has achieved, it’s good for us early on in the season to take a shot at someone who is really, really good.

“They have a great roster and I have a ton of respect for them and we will see how we go.”

READ MORE

• COACHES CORNER: 36ers ready for NBL25 opener
• Harrell's focus on NBL25 campaign
• Barossa honoured in NBL25 HoopsFest jersey
• 36ers smash membership record again

Adelaide will unveil Nominated Replacement Player Montrezl Harrell against the Kings and Wells said the 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year will make an impact at both end of the court.

“He has a great basketball IQ and we will monitor him and his situation to get the best for him and the team,” Wells said.

“He didn’t’ have to sit out of any practice, so he is ready to go.”

New import point guard Kendric Davis will go head-to-head at the point guard spot with NBL22 MVP Jaylen Adams, which looms as the marquee headline act, but there is quality match-ups right across the floor.

New Kings recruit Bul Kuol will almost certainly go to DJ Vasiljevic, while Lat Mayen looks likely to get the first assignment on Cooks.

Adelaide can use the inside presence of Isaac Humphries and Harrell against the Kings, who will look to spread the court on offense and attack the basket.

An opening assignment like no other at the inaugural HoopsFest for Wells to make his NBL head coaching debut.

Catch all the action Sunday afternoon on ESPN via Kayo Sports and live and free on 10HD & 10 Play.

ADELAIDE 36ERS vs SYDNEY KINGS
RAC Arena, Perth
Sunday, September 22, 2pm ACST

LIKELY STARTERS
36ers: Kendric Davis, DJ Vasiljevic, Sunday Dech, Lat Mayen, Isaac Humphries.
Kings: Jaylen Adams, Bul Kuol, Alex Toohey, Xavier Cooks, Cam Oliver.

OVERALL
Played 107, Adelaide 60, Sydney 47

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Feb 2, 2024 – 36ers 85 def Kings 78 at AEC
Jan 11, 2024 – 36ers 95 def Kings 82 at AEC
Oct 8, 2023 – Kings 109 def 36ers 100 at Qudos Bank Arena
Feb 3, 2023 – 36ers 115 def Kings 108 at AEC
Dec 4, 2023 – Kings 97 def 36ers 78 at Qudos Bank Arena