Christmas cheer on offer in Bullets challenge

An early Christmas gift is available for Adelaide when the 36ers host Brisbane Bullets visit the Entertainment Centre on Sunday afternoon.

The 36ers are keen to snap a four-game losing streak and have been in the contest the past two games under new head coach Scott Ninnis.

Adelaide 36ers power forward Alex Starling says his side is not too far away from that elusive win.

“The last couple of weeks we have shown signs of improvement within the group,” Starling told SEN SA this week.

READ MORE

• Wiley's faith Sixers can turn season around
• Club legends excited with '99 anniversary jersey
• Elevate your 36ers home game experience

“We want to give Scotty his first win and give everyone an early Christmas present as well.”

With three games in seven days which starts on Christmas Eve against Brisbane, Starling said the NBL24 season can turn quite quickly.

“Melbourne United have set the benchmark, but with everyone else, you win two or three games and you’re right back in it,” Starling said.

“Perth were on a losing streak, then ran off six straight and are now right back in the thick of things.

“That’s basketball, that’s life, it presents you with a challenge, it’s all up to us now to make the most of it.

“The season is down, but it’s definitely not out.”

Brisbane Bullets head coach Justin Schueller said his side is treating every game like a playoff game after last round’s 102-101 loss to Cairns Taipans on their home court.

“We haven’t got the luxury to drop too many,” Schueller said.

“Every opponent we come up against we give the respect, we know Adelaide will be well prepared and ready to go on their floor.

“Ninny (Scott Ninnis) is a long time mate, I never thought of that (coaching against him).”

Brisbane will be without power forward DJ Mitchell, who was ruled out for the rest of the NBL24 season with a hip injury.

“DJ’s presence on court will be missed, however the Club will continue to support DJ through both his surgery and the rehabilitation process,” Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts said.

The Bullets have replaced Mitchell with three-time NBL championship winner Casey Prather, but the 198cm import swingman will miss the clash against the 36ers.

 ADELAIDE 36ERS vs BRISBANE BULLETS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Sunday 1.30pm ACDT 

LIKELY STARTERS
Adelaide: Trey Kell, DJ Vasiljevic, Trentyn Flowers, Jacob Wiley, Isaac Humphries
Brisbane: Mitch Norton, Nathan Sobey, Sam McDaniel, Josh Bannan, Tyrell Harrison

OVERALL
Played 96, Adelaide 50, Brisbane 46

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Sept 29, 2023 – Bullets 86 def 36ers 71 at Nissan Arena
Jan 19, 2023 - Bullets 106 def 36ers 101 in overtime at Nissan Arena
Dec 29, 2022 –36ers 90 def Bullets 87 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Dec 17, 2022 –36ers 108 def Bullets 77 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Apr 11, 2022 –Bullets 88 def 36ers 85 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre

STATS THAT MATTER
- The home team has won each of the last four games between Adelaide and Brisbane.
- Mitch McCarron has recorded at least one steal in each of his last 11 appearances against Brisbane.
- Dejan Vasiljevic recorded an equal-career-high six assists against Melbourne on Saturday.
- Jacob Wiley ranks 2nd for rebounds per game (8.0) this season.
- Isaac Humphries ranks 3rd for points in the paint per game (9.9) this season.
- Aron Baynes has recorded a double-double in each of Brisbane's last three games against Adelaide.
- Brisbane ranks 1st for bench points per game (32.1) this season.
- Nathan Sobey is the only Brisbane player to have started every game this season.
- Sam McDaniel recorded a career-high 11 rebounds in his last outing against Adelaide in Round 1.
- Aron Baynes has a career average of 11.8 rebounds per game against Adelaide - most against any opponent.