Bounce back opportunity against Tasmania awaits

Adelaide 36ers will face a well-rested Tasmania JackJumpers on their home court at MyState Bank Arena just 48 hours after a tough 96-83 loss to New Zealand Breakers in Christchurch.

The 36ers, who faced a 4am airport check-in on Friday to get to Hobart for Saturday night’s game, will need to bounce back quickly after falling behind by 20 points in the opening quarter on Thursday night.

Tasmania are back to full strength with marquee big man Will Magnay returning to the court in recent weeks and has made a huge impact already.

Adelaide will need to be switched on from the opening tip in front of the JackJumpers faithful and must learn from Thursday night’s defeat to come home 1-1 after one of the toughest road trips in NBL24.

THE KEY
Jordon Crawford and Milton Doyle are arguably the best import one-two punch in the league and can be match-winners on any given night for the JackJumpers.

Crawford has been huge for Tasmania since joining the squad this season, averaging 17.9 points, 4.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game.

The 168cm point guard can do it all and will be a handful for the Adelaide defensive structure, Crawford scoring a game-high 17 points when Tasmania defeated the 36ers 82-72 on November 11 at the Entertainment Centre.

Doyle is a genuine closer in this league and must be kept quiet, but he loves playing on his home court in Hobart.

Adelaide reduced Doyle to just 13 points in their first meeting this season, but the 193cm swingman still had his moments and hit some clutch shots.

The 36ers need to attack Doyle and Crawford defensively and make the duo play defence, as both have been troubled with foul problems at times throughout NBL24.

THE SECRET
Magnay is back after numerous injury setbacks and looms large again as one of the marquee players in NBL.

The 208cm centre plays a vital part for the JackJumpers, and is averaging 9.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per night across his three games played so far in the NBL24.

Last time out in a 97-92 loss to New Zealand, Magnay had a huge 20-point, 13-rebound double-double in just 16 minutes on court to show he could just be back to his best.

Magnay has been regarded as an NBA talent and along with import big man Marcus Lee, Tasmania should have a dominant big man on the floor for the full 40 minutes.

But, both Lee and Magnay are foul prone and the 36ers, through Isaac Humphries and Jacob Wiley, should attack the hoop and make the JackJumpers big men make a decision to contest or not.

DEPTH CHART
PG: Crawford / Macdonald
SG: Doyle / Madut
SF: Drmic / Steindl
PF: McVeigh / Deng/ Krslovic
C: Lee / Magnay / Bairstow

FINAL WORD
This simply is a must win game for Adelaide. An early playoff game in December as the 36ers need to stay within striking distance of the top six.

Even though Tasmania hasn’t played since November 16, Adelaide can use this as an advantage after playing just 48 hours earlier, and a strong start is a must.

Playing catch up has suited the 36ers all season and the team’s desire and heart can not be faulted, but the intent at the start of the game must lift to increase the chances of success.

Adelaide has a number of avenues to the basket, and doesn’t just rely on DJ Vasiljevic, the 36ers had five players in double figure points against the Breakers and again must spread the workload at the offensive end.

Limiting Tasmania to just one shot each offense is paramount and Adelaide must also increase their defensive intensity on the perimeter after giving up 15 three-pointers to New Zealand on Thursday night.

A season-defining game and a must watch on Saturday night.