Tall test for 36ers in short turnaround

Returning home from a three-game road stand, Adelaide 36ers on Sunday will be up against all sizes when New Zealand Breakers visit the Entertainment Centre.

The Breakers have arguably on the best point guards in the league in Parker Jackson-Cartwright but do possess the league’s biggest factor in Tacko Fall.

Since joining the Breakers roster midway through the season, Fall has grown into his role, while the return of Jackson-Cartwright has seen the Breakers bounce back in recent rounds.

New Zealand is coming off a 93-87 home loss to Brisbane Bullets at Wolfbrook Arena on Friday night, all but ending their hopes for a Play-In berth.

Adelaide did defeat the Breakers 111-94 back in December on home court, but expect a totally different New Zealand side to battle the 36ers, fresh off Friday night 105-96 win in Sydney. 

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THE KEY
Jackson-Cartwright has returned to the Breakers line-up recently after missing five games due to suspension.

The 180cm point guard is the head of the New Zealand offense, he can score at the rim and from outside, while also creating for his teammates.

Jackson-Cartwright had 19 points to go with nine assists in the Breakers’ loss to Brisbane on Friday night and spent crunch time on the bench with an apparent rib injury.

A point guard match-up with Kendric Davis is worth admission alone, as two of the league’s best go head-to-head in what could turn the game in either team’s favour.

THE SECRET
Karim Lopez has been a revelation for the Breakers since joining the club as an NBL Next Star for the next two seasons.

The 17-year-old has averaged 14.5 points per game against the 36ers so far in NBL25, a big increase from his season average of 9.7 points per night.

Lopez, who isn’t NBA Draft eligible until 2026, has grown into his starting small forward spot, can attack the rim with force, but is also a threat from the three-point line.

A likely opening match-up with Lat Mayen, Lopez will also see Sunday Dech as a defensive assignment and even Keanu Rasmussen.

DEPTH CHART
Jackson-Cartwright / McCarron
Mooney / King / Bairstow
Lopez / Anticevich
Bolden / Darling
Fall / Mennenga / Pineau

FINAL WORD
Adelaide must come out strong in front of what will be another sold out Adelaide Entertainment Centre and continue the defensive pressure from the second half on Friday night.

The 36ers had a double-digit lead during the opening 20 minutes in Sydney, but then found themselves five points down in the third quarter before a blistering 17-2 run sealed a second straight road victory.

Wins in Sydney and Cairns over the past six days should have the side full of confidence, but Adelaide has to limit a New Zealand team which has weapons right across the floor.

A professional approach to the quick turnaround, much like the effort in Far North Queensland last Sunday, is required to keep the NBL25 season heading in the right direction.