Match Preview: Sixers seeking six straight

The Adelaide 36ers are back home on Friday night looking for a sixth straight win when they host Tasmania at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Mike Wells’ side is one of the form teams of the competition, sitting top of the Hungry Jack’s NBL ladder with a 19-4 win-loss record.

The 11-13 JackJumpers have been unable to string together any real form, though look very threatening when they have their full squad together.

They have alternated wins and losses over the last six games during the busy festive period but are coming off a strong win over one of the title favourites Melbourne United.

While their home form has been poor with three wins from eight games, the JackJumpers have won seven of their 12 road games.

When Scott Roth’s side last came to Adelaide in early October, it was overrun by the Sixers, who won 98-89 with Bryce Cotton (29 points and nine assists) doing most of the damage alongside Isaac Humphries (24 points and five rebounds).

The Tasmanians were boosted by the return to the squad of former Sixer Anthony Drmic from a back injury in the win over United, though he didn’t get on the court, while captain Will Magnay had a career-high 27 points as well as 13 rebounds and three blocks.

Sixers co-captain DJ Vasiljevic says it’ll be important to start well against a strong JackJumpers outfit.

“Tassie, when you look at it, is a danger game because they've got their full side now, fully healthy, and they've played some really good basketball,” Vasiljevic said.

“Will Magnay had a killer game last game so we’ve just got to come out and we've actually got to start well.

“We didn't really start well against the Kings. We didn't start well against Brisbane. So, we’ve just got to get a good start and then maintain it like we have been.”

Friday night’s game gets underway at 7:00pm ACDT / 7:30pm AEDT.

ADELAIDE 36ERS vs TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Friday 9 January, 7:00pm ACDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Disney+

OVERALL
Played 14, Adelaide 5, Tasmania 9

At Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Played 7, Adelaide 3, Tasmania 4

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Nov 13, 2025 – 36ers 97 def JackJumpers 86 at MyState Bank Arena
Oct 9, 2025 – 36ers 98 def JackJumpers 89 at AEC
Jan 10, 2025 – JackJumpers 104 def 36ers 103 at MyState Bank Arena
Nov 30, 2024 – JackJumpers 77 def 36ers 73 at AEC
Oct 20, 2024 – 36ers 77 def JackJumpers 73 at AEC

KEY STATS

• Adelaide has won each of its last seven games after trailing at half-time.
• Adelaide has won each of its last 11 games when allowing fewer than 90 points.
• Adelaide has won the third quarter in each of its last nine home games.
• Adelaide has won each of its last 12 games with Nick Rakocevic in the lineup.
• Adelaide has won each of its last seven home games.
• Adelaide has won 12 of its last 13 games.
• Adelaide has scored 80+ points in each of its last 19 games - team's longest streak since 2019-20.
• Tasmania has won nine of its last 13 games against Adelaide.
• Josh Bannan has never made a three against Adelaide (0-9 for his career).
• Dejan Vasiljevic is the only qualified player to have made a three in every game this season. He has also hit at least one three-pointer in 42 consecutive appearances - longest active streak of any player in the league.
• Bryce Cotton has recorded 5+ assists in 12 consecutive appearances - longest active streak of any player in the league heading into Round 16.
• Zylan Cheatham has recorded 7+ rebounds in seven consecutive appearances - longest active streak of any player in the league.