THE FIRST elimination clash of the NBL25 postseason takes place tonight, when the Sydney Kings play host to the Adelaide 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena in the second play-in match of the week.

Following Tuesday night’s clash between the Perth Wildcats and the SEM Phoenix, which saw the former claim a 17-point win, the winner of tonight’s clash will book in a spot in next week’s game against the Phoenix, while it will be season over for the vanquished.

Both sides spent the off-season building extremely stacked rosters, but were unable to reach the lofty heights expected of their talented lists. However, the stars tend to shine in the postseason, and there will be no shortage on that front as some of the biggest names in the NBL lock horns in a blockbuster matchup.

Sydney Kings vs. Adelaide 36ers

Qudos Bank Arena
Thursday, February 13 @ 7:30pm

THE TEAMS

The Kings came into the season as one of the title favourites, and while they have shown glimpses of their capabilities, their consistency has prevented them from making a run at a top-two spot. There are no questions around Sydney’s defence, suffocating even the most in-form sides throughout the course of the season, but its offence has been shaky. With the loss of Xavier Cooks, this problem compounds, so the Kings will need several players to step up.

The Sixers have looked like the best team in it at times, but also let plenty of games slip in a midseason form slump that saw them unable to reach any higher than sixth. However, it is hard to deny the talent on their roster, led by imports Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell, both of whom have put together stellar campaigns. The Sixers are one of the most dangerous teams left in it, but their first test comes against one of the most successful clubs of the modern era.

LAST TIME THEY MET

These two sides locked horns just a few weeks ago, and it was the Sixers that produced their second win at Qudos Bank Arena of the season, winning the series against Sydney with plenty of resilience on the road. In that Round 18 clash, it was the dynamic duo of Davis (30 points, five rebounds, six assists) and Harrell (23 points, 11 rebounds) that broke the game open, with the Sixers unfazed by the 10,000-strong Kings fans cheering the home side on.

KEY PLAYERS

The Kings will be without Cooks due to a provisional suspension, making Sydney’s frontcourt stocks seriously depleted, especially with Keil Leaupepe also missing with a hamstring injury. This puts plenty of pressure on Cameron Oliver, who will have to shoulder plenty of the load. Despite producing an underwhelming campaign for the Kings, ‘Space Cam’ certainly has the talent to take over a match, and has done so on multiple occasions this season. With his running mate in Cooks watching on from the sidelines, Oliver will play a key role.

With Sydney’s frontcourt looking a lot weaker than usual, it is the perfect time for Harrell to step up with a superstar performance. The biggest signing in NBL history has been excellent for Adelaide, but has the tendency to get himself in foul trouble, limiting his impact. If he can stay on the floor, there is no doubt he will be one of the central figures of the match.

PREDICTION

Adelaide by 10 points.