NBL 2014/15 Round 8 Preview: Adelaide look to get back to winning ways
Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings
Sunday, 30th November 1:30pm local time
Adelaide Arena
Odds: Sydney Kings $2.75, Adelaide 36ers $1.45
Both these sides met 3 rounds ago, in what was Brock Motum’s first game. Since then, Adelaide has been unable to get a win. Mitch Creeks surprise return to the lineup last week wasn’t enough to push the 36ers over the top against a strong Perth side last week. Whilst his 11 points off the bench helped this week it still proved insufficient against an inconsistent Melbourne team on Friday. The 36ers problem stems from their inability to get consistency from their key players. For the 36ers to improve their standings and get back to their winning ways, they will need solid production from Motum, Gibson and Wilson this week against the Kings.
For the away team, they come off a tough loss to the NZ Beakers on Friday. Childress and Madgen continue to be valuable contributors across the board. However, it is the lack of a third scorer that has limited this teams potential. Kendrick Perry continues his very up and down season as he finished Friday’s match up with only 4 points. The Kings will need to find that third scorer today, as Adelaide is a team that can fill it up.
Key Player
Kendrick Perry
Kendrick Perry, had a solid, yet unspectacular game the last time these two teams met. He has been up and down during the last few games. The Sydney import will need to step up this week and delivery a big game against the 36ers and Adam Gibson. If Perry can limit Gibson’s effectiveness, he gives his team a huge advantage in this game. The lighting quick point has struggled against elite defensive points in the past and Gibson is known for his ability to make life difficult for opposing guards.
If Perry plays to the level he is capable of, whilst limiting Gibson on the defensive end, Sydney could come away with an easy victory. However, if Perry struggles the Kings could find themselves stumbling to the finish line.
What To Watch For
A Mitch Creek Break out game
After bringing himself along slowly in his first two games, Mitch Creek could prove to be the difference in this one. The young gun has clearly been limited by his return from injury. If he finds his shot and attacks the basket like he is capable of the 36ers could be a serious threat to upset the Kings. With underrated athleticism, the AIS Graduate has the ability to greatly impact the end result of this game. After managing just 16 points combined in his first two games back, this could be the game that Creek uses to reestablish himself as one of the top young players in the league.
Final Word
Sydney has been strong as of late; a slight lapse against the Breakers on Friday doesn’t discount the growing chemistry with the squad. Childress has been dominating each game in just about every facet, whilst Madgen’s shooting has been 'sniper' like as always. Motum and Adelaide have struggled on defense the last few games, allowing teams to score almost at will. For the 36ers to have any chance in this one, they will need their big 3 and Creek to have strong games. The way Sydney has been rolling, they seem tough to stop. Given that this is an away game for the Kings, that evens the odds slightly. However, I don’t think the 36ers have figured out how to stop teams from scoring. That could be a big problem when Childress and Madgen take the floor today. I expect Adelaide to put up a fight but fall short.
Kings by 12