36ers set for new-look Kings challenge

Adelaide will face a different-looking Sydney Kings line-up when the 36ers travel to Qudos Bank Arena for Friday night’s showdown in the Harbour City.

The Kings have lost forward Keli Leaupepe (hamstring) to injury for the rest of the regular season and Jaylin Galloway (shoulder) for the rest of NBL25 but regain key defender Bul Kuol.

Kuol was a notable absentee when the 36ers won 111-96 in Sydney last month, but Adelaide was also missing swingman Sunday Dech.

Leaupepe’s injury has given greater responsibility to import Cam Oliver, but Kouat Noi has been the player to step up both recently and throughout the season.

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THE KEY
Jaylen Adams was everywhere for the Kings in the last match-up against Adelaide, scoring a game-high 41 points in a dominant offensive performance.

Adams, the NBL22 MVP and championship-winner, is a key piece to the Kings offense, he can facilitate for others, but when crunch time comes, the 183cm point guard can take over.

This was evident when Adams scored seven points down the stretch as the Kings held on to a 103-92 win against South East Melbourne Phoenix at State Basketball Centre on Wednesday night.

The 36ers will need to limit Adams’ effect on the game, expect one or both of Lat Mayen and Sunday Dech to spend time on the Kings’ head of attack. 

THE SECRET
Kouat Noi has been a constant for the Kings all season, bring spark off the bench with instant effect.

Noi is averaging 14.8 points per night throughout NBL25, the highest average he has had across his six seasons in the league and a big jump from his 10 points per game in NBL24.

The 197cm forward is shooting with confidence this season and has single-handedly won Sydney games in NBL25.

He is an inside and outside threat at the offensive end, shooting the three-pointer at over 40 per cent this season while also getting to the free throw line better than any time in his career.

Noi gives the Kings the ability to play ‘small ball’ with Cooks at centre and the 36ers must limit the impact and energy he brings to the squad.

DEPTH CHART
Adams / Bruce
Le’Afa / Robertson / Amir
Kuol / Toohey / Maluach
Cooks / Noi
Oliver / Spurgin

FINAL WORD
Adelaide must continue their recent road form in Cairns last Sunday and start well against the Kings in Sydney.

The 36ers raced out to a 32-12 opening quarter lead at Qudos Bank Arena last month which propelled Adelaide to a 15-point success.

Sydney will be full of confidence, coming off three straight wins, including a dominaiting road win against the Phoenix in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

Expect the Kings to play ‘small ball’ and play Cooks at centre to try and limit the force and effectiveness of Adelaide’s ‘big three’ front court of Isaac Humphries, Montrezl Harrell and Jarell Martin.

There are matchwinners all over the court, but as head coach Mike Wells said this week, the defensive intent will go a long way as to which teams come out on top in this contest.