Marshall: 'We are taking it game-by-game'

Adelaide 36ers swingman Nick Marshall said his side is talking “one game at a time” ahead of Friday night’s clash against Sydney Kings at the Entertainment Centre.

Currently on a three-game winning streak, the 36ers host the two-time defending champions fresh off a big home win against Cairns Taipans last Saturday night.

Marshall said his side need to continue to build on their recent form and must be prepared to face a desperate Sydney side.

“It’s a great vibe at the moment, we are playing well, but we are taking it game-by-game and hopefully continue with that momentum,” Marshall said.

“Obviously it’s possible (making the Play-In), but we are taking it game-by-game, focus on Sydney and take care of that, then keep moving forward.

“We are confident, but they are coming off a good win against Melbourne United, we know they have got talent, one of the most talented teams in the league.”

Marshall said limiting the influence of Jaylen Adams is a big key to Friday night’s match.

“We have to spend time on Adams, and (Denzel) Valentine as well, then make sure their shooters don’t get off,” Marshall said.

“Offensively, we have to get the ball inside to Isaac (Humphries), then let DJ (Vasiljevic) and Trey (Kell) do their thing, and we will all filter in from there.”

Sydney Kings coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah said he might have to rethink some rotations after his side’s bounce back win against Melbourne United last Sunday afternoon.

The Kings got great performances out of Angus Glover and Makuach Maluach with Sydney covering the injured Jaylin Galloway and DJ Hogg.

“Obviously him (Glover) and Kuach (Maluach), both of them deserve more minutes but they've earned it,” Abdelfattah said.

“It's nothing they are just going to be given, they've earned every single second they've gotten and I'm just proud of them.

“I guess I should have been playing them a lot more earlier in the season, but you can't change the past baby.”

With Galloway and Hogg close to a return, Abdelfattah said he hopes the addition of both players will boost his side’s chances.

"It's all credit to them, they've done everything that's been asked and everything that's needed on my end, but they've earned it and deserve much more.”

Adelaide take on the Kings this Friday night at the Entertainment Centre from 7pm, watch the game live and exclusive on ESPN via Kayo Sports.

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ADELAIDE 36ERS vs SYDNEY KINGS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Friday 7pm

OVERALL
Played 106, Adelaide 59, Sydney 47

LIKELY STARTERS
Adelaide: Trey Kell, DJ Vasiljevic, Nick Marshall, Kyrin Galloway, Isaac Humphries.
Sydney: Jaylen Adams, Denzel Valentine, Angus Glover, Alex Toohey, Jordan Hunter.

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Jan 11, 2024 –36ers 95 def Kings 82 at AEC
Oct 8 2023 –Kings 109 def 36ers 100 at Qudos Bank Arena
Feb 3, 2023 –36ers 115 def Kings 108 at AEC
Dec 4, 2023 –Kings 97 def 36ers 78 at Qudos Bank Arena
Oct 21, 2023 –36ers 92 def Kings 88 at Qudos Bank Arena

STATS THAT MATTER

• Adelaide has won five of its past six games.
• Sydney has won each of its past seven games when allowing fewer than 90 points.
• Adelaide has won the first half in each of its past seven games.
• Sydney ranks 1st for bench points per game (33.2) this season.
• Adelaide ranks 2nd in the league for rebounds per game this season (43.5).
• Sydney has won the second half in five of its last six away games against Adelaide.
• Adelaide ranks 2nd in the league for free throw percentage this season (77.6%).
• Isaac Humphries has a career average of 7.0 rebounds per game against Sydney - equal-most against any opponent.
• Makuach Maluach scored an equal-career-high 18 points in each of the Kings' last two home games.
• Dejan Vasiljevic recorded a career-high eight assists in his last outing against Sydney in Round 15.
• Sydney ranks 1st in the league for points per game this season (95.1).
• Trey Kell III has a career average of 23.5 points per game against Sydney - most against any opponent.
• Sydney has scored exactly 98 points in each of its last three games.
• Isaac Humphries - 50th game for Adelaide
• Sydney ranks 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (44.1).