Round 19 Double-Header Preview

The Adelaide 36ers have their last two home games this weekend and are looking forward to rewarding the home fans for their support on Saturday night against the Sydney Kings and Monday against the Brisbane Bullets.

There are still three rounds remaining this NBL season, but Round 19 features the last two home matches at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for the Sixers before four road matches to finish off with over the final two weeks.

First up for the 36ers at the Entertainment Centre is Saturday night against the red hot Sydney Kings who arrive in town on a 10-game winning streak. Then there's the Brisbane Bullets on Monday night in a rematch from last Sunday's entertaining affair in Brisbane between the two teams.

What it provides the 36ers is a chance to finish off the home season in style in front of the home fans and assistant coach Jamie Pearlman is looking forward to the opportunity that is in front of the team.

"I really feel like the fans have been backing on us and been on our side, and at home they've been driving us to help us get over the line," Pearlman said on Sixers Fix with Scott Ninnis.

"We've had some really solid performances at home and we're also appreciative of the energy they bring. We have these last two home games on Saturday and Monday, and it's the last chance to come see us play and I even believe there might be a chance to catch up with the players post-game as well."

Before looking ahead to what is coming this weekend, reflecting back on the two Round 18 matches for the 36ers and it was a case of missed opportunities both on Friday at home to the Tasmania JackJumpers and on the road to the Bullets on Sunday.

There was a lot to like about much of what the Sixers did in both games and that's why there should be confidence moving forward to still closing out the season strongly for the 36ers.

"Unfortunately I have to say we actually led for a big portion of that JackJumpers game and were playing really good basketball. But in that fourth quarter Adams got particularly hot and we found it difficult to buy a basket. Again it definitely was a very winnable game for us but we just weren’t able to finish off," Pearlman said.

"Then in the Brisbane game I thought the guys played tremendously well especially at the offensive end. I felt like it was one of the game where I think the ball moved incredibly well. 

"We had 21 assists for the game and Hyrum Harris came in and had another fantastic game for us, and it really just came down to those last couple of baskets. Unfortunately again we just found ourselves at the wrong end of that final scoreline."

All the focus firstly this week for the 36ers is on Saturday night's clash with the Kings who are gearing up for an assault on the championship with their current 10-game winning streak to have locked away a finals appearance.

However, Adelaide was already able to end Melbourne United's eight-game winning streak earlier this season so there's no reason for Pearlman and the rest of the team to think they can't stop Sydney from winning an 11th in-a-row.

"We still have belief and believe that we can beat anyone on our night. The Kings are playing tremendous basketball and Jaylen Adams is showing himself to be an NBL calibre of player in this league so he's going to be a big focus on. But we 100 per cent go into the game believing we can win it," Pearlman said.

"One thing about this group is that they have been tremendous in regards to staying with the process, staying together and with all the adversity that we've dealt with throughout the year. 

"The guys are as motivated as ever and Mitch McCarron gave a great little rev up just after our last session in regards to what we're looking to achieve this game and the guys are very focused, and still very motivated to show what they are capable of and get the win."

HUNGRY JACK'S 2021/22 NBL SEASON – ROUND 19

ADELAIDE 36ERS v SYDNEY KINGS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Saturday 7.30pm ACDT

ADELAIDE 36ERS v BRISBANE BULLETS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Monday 7.00pm ACDT