NBL 2014/15 Round 10 Preview: Perth look to rebound against 36ers
Perth Wildcats vs. Adelaide 36ers
Sunday, 14th December – 2.00pm (local)
Perth Arena
Odds: Perth $1.14, Adelaide $5.75
Tickets: Click here
Following a disappointing defeat in their top of the table clash with New Zealand away from home, Perth will be looking to rebound against the lowly 36ers.
An average second half performance ensured their demise against the Breakers, rest assured the Wildcats will be fired up in pursuit of their 10th win.
Adelaide had lost seven in a row prior to toppling Melbourne, and had been a discombobulated mess, particularly on the defensive end. Brock Motum has been a fantastic addition but he has done little to move the needle for Adelaide, their problems clearly run far deeper than that.
Playoffs are a distant memory for this 36ers squad but there is still plenty of time to right the ship and get progressive momentum, particularly off the back of their win against United, moving into the next season.
Key Player:
DeAndre Daniels
The enigmatic NBA draftee is starting to live up to both his reputation and his potential. Athletically blessed like so few in this competition, Daniels is starting to use his physical gifts to dominate opponents on both sides of the court.
Daniels has been a defensive nightmare since entering the league, his offense has taken longer to progress but it’s finally coming along. On Thursday night Daniels had a two-game streak of 20+ points scoring games interrupted.
He hasn’t exactly been a picture of offensive efficiency, shooting 40% from the floor and only 28.3% from deep on the season. However, his efficiency and averages of 14.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game doesn’t indicate his true impact on the game.
If Daniels is able to score and do so efficiently, expect Perth to dominate a helpless 36ers outfit.
What to Watch for:
Rivalry regardless of ladder position
Perth and Adelaide has had entertaining battles ever since the inception of the NBL, ladder position has often meant little in the quality of the contests.
Perth is a defensive nightmare, particularly at home and yet despite their shortcomings, Adelaide is still a quality offensive team. Styles make games and this intriguing mix of defence and offense could see a closer than expected matchup.
Final Word:
The bookmakers are giving Adelaide no chance and rightfully so. Despite their tough win against Melbourne, Perth is not the answer to what ails Adelaide.
The fact that Perth played an incredibly physical match against the Breakers in New Zealand and will travel to and from the furthest venue in the NBL may help the Sixers, however their own match with United wasn't a walk in the park either, despite the eventual score-line, and the Wildcats should prevail at home.
Perth by 7