Match Preview: Sixers seek seventh straight in table topping clash

It will be a top of the table clash when the Adelaide 36ers host Melbourne United on Friday night in a milestone game for club co-captain Isaac Humphries.

The Sixers won a sixth straight game on Sunday to move to the top of the Hungry Jack’s NBL ladder with United dropping to second after consecutive defeats to Perth and South East Melbourne.

Humphries will play his 100^th game for the 36ers, coincidentally against a side he played 23 games for back in NBL23.

He becomes just the 37^th player to reach that milestone for the Sixers.

Teammate and fellow co-captain Bryce Cotton says Humphries is a “tremendous player”.

“When you look at his knowledge of knowing how to read the pick and roll, his ability to finish,” Cotton explained on SEN SA Breakfast.

“He's very nimble for a big where he can catch the ball on the run, spinning or into a Euro. He's got a very unique touch that you don't see a lot of bigs have.”

The last time the sides met back in October, a very late Tyson Walker three-pointer was the difference between the sides, with a then unbeaten United stealing victory.

Walker will miss Friday night's game after experiencing delayed concussion symptoms with Tom Koppens to take his place, while Shea Ili will also return from a long injury layoff. 

While there is an element of getting one back for the Sixers after the earlier result, and a win would help them consolidate top spot on the ladder, Cotton said he would go into the game with the same mindset as any other.

“You treat every game as if it's of equal importance,” he said.

“If every game holds the same value, then you can never get too high, too low.

“And it's still just one game, no matter who you beat or no matter who you lose to, it only counts as one game.

“It's all about putting yourself in the best position to give yourself the best seating at the end of the year.” 

Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman has conceded his side has lacked synergy, discipline, physicality and energy since coming out of the FIBA break and has vowed to help his side rediscover the form that had them fly out of the blocks this season.

He would love to know that United has won each of its last nine meetings with Adelaide after a loss, though the home team has won the last six games between the sides.

Friday night’s game gets underway at 7:00pm ACDT.

ADELAIDE 36ERS vs MELBOURNE UNITED
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Friday 12 December, 7:00pm ACDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Disney+

OVERALL
Played 45, Adelaide 14, Melbourne 31

At Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Played 9, Adelaide 4, Melbourne 5

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Oct 26, 2025 – United 81 def 36ers 80 at John Cain Arena
Jan 4, 2025 – 36ers 100 def United 81 at AEC
Nov 17, 2024 – United 113 def 36ers 93 at John Cain Arena
Oct 13, 2024 – United 106 def 36ers 79 at John Cain Arena
Jan 6, 2024 – 36ers 100 def United 96 at AEC

KEY STATS

·       Adelaide has won each of its last four games after trailing at half-time.

·       Adelaide has won each of its last six games.

·       The home team has won each of the last six games between Adelaide and Melbourne.

·       Melbourne has won each of its last nine games against Adelaide following a loss.

·       Heading into Round 12, Adelaide ranks 2nd in the league for assists per game this season (20.9).

·       Dejan Vasiljevic has hit at least one three-pointer in 36 consecutive appearances - longest active streak of any player in the league