Round 9 Preview v Tasmania JackJumpers

The Adelaide 36ers return to the scene of their standout NBL Blitz with an eye of getting back on the winner's list against the Tasmania JackJumpers in Hobart on Friday night.

The Sixers took part in the NBL Blitz pre-season tournament and went through undefeated to win the Loggins-Bruton Cup as a result. That was played in Tasmania and then the 36ers returned to MyState Bank Arena back in Round 8 of the #NBL22 season and scored an 83-80 victory against the JackJumpers.

Adelaide now returns to Hobart this Friday night to take on the JackJumpers and looking to make up for losses in Round 8 to Melbourne United at home and Illawarra Hawks on the road to return to the winner's list, and improve on the current 3-5 record.

It won't be an easy task for the 36ers, though, even if the JackJumpers coming into the game with a 2-6 record and having lost six of their past seven NBL matches.

Tasmania comes into the game off competitive showings against top four teams Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix.

With the presence of former NBA centre Will Magnay inside, import guards Josh Magette and Josh Adams, and the likes of captain Clint Steindl and former Sixer Jack McVeigh, they are team that can't be taken lightly.

The 36ers will be without centre Isaac Humphries (knee) and captain Mitch McCarron (COVID protocols) for the game with the JackJumpers, but it's still a Sixers line-up with no shortage of talent or players capable of stepping up.

Even without Humphries, the frontcourt has good depth led by Cam Bairstow and Daniel Johnson with Kai Sotto, Manny Malou and even Hyrum Harris. They will look to take advantage of a JackJumpers line-up without a lot of big men depth behind Magnay.

Todd Withers is coming off a good couple of games for the 36ers averaging 13.5 points in the two games in Round 8 so he will look to continue that form in the three spot.

Then in the backcourt, the absence of McCarron for the Sixers likely provides more minutes and a bigger role for Dusty Hannahs, Tad Dufelmeier and Mojave King. They will look to make the most of that with Sunday Dech out to continue his standout return from injury too.

Taking better care of the ball will be a major focus as well for Adelaide coming off giving up 16 turnovers for 30 points against the Hawks in Monday's loss in Wollongong.

Sixers coach CJ Bruton is looking forward to his team bouncing back and enjoying being back in Hobart again before then returning home to play Melbourne United on Sunday.

"We are in the middle of playing four games in eight days so in the seat that we are, we have to definitely play a little bit slower just because the games have crept on us," Bruton said during Ask the Coach thanks to Sports Card World on latest Sixers Fix with Scott Ninnis.

"While we started very well in that Melbourne game, we need to make sure we stay at the same consistency and in that space. The JackJumpers have played very well against Melbourne United and even against the Phoenix in a low-scoring game.

"They also lead the league in steals so we definitely have to be switched on and not turn the ball over early. They have a great fan base and execute very well so with our size, I'll be looking to take advantage of that and our team will change up a little bit with the line-up.

"Our defence has to be on point as it wasn’t against Illawarra as were our turnovers. We need to improve in that space and on our mental application going into this game as well."

HUNGRY JACK'S 2021/22 NBL SEASON – ROUND 9

ADELAIDE 36ERS v TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
MyState Bank Arena (Hobart), Friday 7.00pm ACDT

Broadcast – ESPN; Kayo; Sky Sport NZ