Backcourt battle key to Kings quest

Adelaide 36ers will be back in action on Monday night when the team travels to Sydney to play a Kings side looking to rebound from a Christmas Day defeat.

Sydney went down 111-108 to crosstown rivals Illawarra Hawks at Qudos Bank Arena on Christmas night and are back on home court to host a 36ers side looking to respond.

The Kings will have marquee man Xavier Cooks ready for his frontcourt battle with former championship teammate Jarell Martin, while Isaac Humphries and Montrezl Harrell should ask Sydney questions in the frontcourt.

Both sides have tasted success against each other this season, the Kings winning 102-94 at Hoops Fest before Adelaide won 89-79 a fortnight later.

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THE KEY
Adams is back to his NBL22 MVP form in recent outings after an injury interrupted start to his NBL25 campaign.

The 183cm point guard has averaged 21.8 points per game in the past four matches and is the key facilitator to the Kings’ offense.

Adams was hampered by a back injury to start the season and played limited minutes when the 36ers won back on October 11.

A mouthwatering match-up looms against Kendric Davis, and both players will be out to make a statement and lead their side to victory.

THE SECRET
Sydney have several weapons coming off the bench, including import big man Cam Oliver and veteran point guard Shaun Bruce, but it’s Kouat Noi who is having the most impact.

Noi is a confident player and is instant offense for the Kings, he can play both inside and outside and has won games for Sydney by himself this season.

The 201cm power forward has scored 50 points over the past two games, including a 24-point, nine-rebound double on Christmas Day against the Hawks.

Adelaide will need to match the energy off the bench when Noi gets released into the contest and expect Lat Mayen to spend a lot of time on his South Sudan teammate.

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

FINAL WORD
Adelaide must respond after back-to-back defeats at home across the Christmas period and there is no bigger challenge than going to the Harbour City to play a fired-up Kings.

The 36ers have to control the rebounds and limit the Kings to one shot, while also look to attack the rim to get the likes of Cooks and Oliver into foul trouble.

Expect captain DJ Vasiljevic to lead his side from the front, the Davis-Adams match-up looms large and how the coaching chess match works will be fascinating, with the Kings likely to play small ball against Adelaide’s powerful frontcourt.

Adelaide need to make a statement and rebound quickly, and playing another game straight away could be the perfect remedy.