Full strength 36ers set for Tassie test

Adelaide will be at full strength for the first time in NBL25 when the 36ers host reigning champions Tasmania JackJumpers at the Entertainment Centre on Sunday afternoon.

With Montrezl Harrell agreeing to terms to remain in Adelaide for the entire season this week, and Jarell Martin cleared to make his 36ers debut, Adelaide will face a JackJumpers side desperate for victory.

Tasmania surrendered a 12-point half-time lead on Friday night in Launceston to go down 80-71 to Sydney Kings, their second straight defeat.

Head coach Mike Wells said his side has spent all week on the practice court preparing for the JackJumpers challenge.

“We want to be ready to play a high-level basketball game on Sunday afternoon,” Wells said.

“They have got a lot of really talented players, they have a style and they have a system and I think they have been playing really well too.”

READ MORE

• Martin cleared for 36ers debut
• Harrell to stay for NBL25 season
• COACHES CORNER: Wells: 'We have to be prepared'
• TEAM SCOUT: 36ers prepare for Tassie tussle
• Cadee's hoops dreams did come true
• NBL25 Indigenous Jersey released
• Cadee says home crowd is huge boost

Adelaide has already defeated Tasmania this season, a 96-64 win at the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast, but the JackJumpers will be a different team come Sunday afternoon.

“We saw them early up at the (NBL) Blitz, they had a few injuries then and were about to go on a big trip overseas,” Wells said.

“But they are back into that title contending shape and we are going to get their best shot, so we have to be ready to play come Sunday afternoon.”

Point guard Jason Cadee will celebrate his 400^th NBL game on Sunday and Wells said the side understands how important the game is.

“It’s a heck of an achievement, such an impressive deal and my players and staff are just honoured to be apart of the game and hopefully we can get the win,” Wells said.

With the game trending to be another sell out, the third in three games this season, Wells has the appreciation of what the home fans can bring to the contest in such a tight league.

“Our crowds have been unbelievable and I was told about it, but to see it and feel it now, it’s been a great deal for us,” Wells said.

“You can feel it, you can feel their energy, especially in the fourth quarter against Sydney.

“We want to protect home court, so we got to go out there and get another win.”

ADELAIDE 36ERS vs TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Sunday 4pm ACST
Live on 10 BOLD, ESPN via Kayo Sports

OVERALL
Played 9, Adelaide 2, Tasmania 7

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Feb 4, 2024 – JackJumpers 109 def 36ers 86 at MyState Bank Arena
Dec 2, 2023 – JackJumpers 94 def 36ers 59 at MyState Bank Arena
Nov 11, 2023 -  JackJumpers 82 def 36ers 72 at AEC
Jan 12, 2023 – JackJumpers 98 def 36ers 82 at MyState Bank Arena
Dec 19, 2022 – 36ers 93 def JackJumpers 82 at AEC

STATS THAT MATTER
- Adelaide has won each of its last nine games when allowing fewer than 90 points.
- The 36ers have won each of its last 13 games at Adelaide Entertainment Centre after leading at quarter-time.
- Adelaide has won each of its last seven games at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
- 18.4% of Adelaide's scoring in NBL25 has come from the free-throw line - highest in the league.
- The 36ers rank 1st in the league for three-point percentage this season (42.3%).
- Adelaide ranks 2nd in the league for points per game this season (92.3).
- Montrezl Harrell has recorded 9+ rebounds in four consecutive appearances - longest active streak of any player in the league.
- DJ Vasiljevic ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for points per game (20.2) this season.
Adelaide ranks 2nd in the league for field goal percentage this season (47.4%).