“Everything on the table” for Sixers ahead of do-or-die Kings clash

Adelaide 36ers Head Coach Mike Wells says “everything is on the table” when it comes to how his side lines up in Wednesday night’s do-or-die Championship Series game against Sydney.

The Kings lead the series 2-1 heading into Game Four at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Wells brought co-captain DJ Vasiljevic back into his starting line-up during the Semi-Final series against South-East Melbourne to great effect with the Boomers representative playing an important role with his scoring ability, experience and leadership.

But asked whether John Jenkins could take back Vasiljevic’s starting place, Wells said it was among the things he would consider.

“I think everything's on the table, to be honest with you,” Wells said after training on Tuesday.

“You're trying to figure out how to extend your season. As a coach, if I need to start somebody that's in a red jersey, then I’ve got to start that.

“Anything to get a win. That's what we have to do, because if we don't win, then the season's over, and we pack the uniforms up, and we turn the lights off, and this thing's over.

“We just want to make sure that we put our best effort forward and take care of home court.”

While there has been a lot of attention given to matters involving club officials off the court during the series, Wells explained that the playing and coaching group had not lost its focus on taking control of what happens on the court.

“My focus has just been on the team and the things inside the gym and that are basketball related,” he said.

“My job is to coach the team and to try to get us prepared as best to win a home game tomorrow night.

“My focus has been on that, and I don't really think those type of things affect the group at all, to be honest with you.

“We’re focussed on our job, which is to try to beat the Sydney Kings to extend our season. If we don't do that, then we're going fishing.”

Wells used his press conference to praise star guard Bryce Cotton for his professionalism and consistency in the face of a lot of pressure and a contrived rivalry with Kings player and former Sixer Kendrick Davis.

He described the way Cotton carried himself as “unflappable” saying he was a “true professional” whose behaviour on and off the court proved why he remained the face of the league.

And, given his side’s season is on the line, Wells said the group was embracing the do-or-die nature of Wednesday night’s game.

“I think it's just another opportunity for the group,” he said.

“We're excited to play at home at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

“It's the best fans in the NBL. The noise is going to be crazy. We love that sixth man.

“We've had a lot of success at home here during the playoffs, and we need to double down and bank on that and win a home game.

“Playoff basketball, that's what it's all about. That's why you play a lot of times to get these type situations because there's just so much energy in the building and you can feel that and it helps us.”

Tip off on Wednesday night is at 7pm ACDT.