36ers vs Kings NBL Tips & Predictions
Game 1 of the Championship Series produced one of the most shocking results of the NBL season, with Sydney blowing Adelaide off the floor by 44 points.
The immediate question now is whether that performance is repeatable or an outlier. History and data suggest it’s an outlier.
Sydney shot at unsustainable levels, hitting 65.6% from the field and 54.2% from three-point range. Those numbers are well above their season averages and are extremely unlikely to hold across the series.
At the same time, Adelaide were equally poor offensively, shooting just 34.6% from the field and 24.3% from deep despite generating more shot attempts through offensive rebounds.
The biggest anomaly, however, was Bryce Cotton. The six-time MVP was held to just 10 points, one of only two games this season where he has been kept to 10 or fewer points, both against Sydney.
That said, Cotton has consistently responded after poor outings. Across his last six games following a performance of 15 points or fewer, he is averaging over 36 points.
Adelaide return home where they have been one of the strongest teams in the competition, and with their offensive leader expected to bounce back, the conditions are set for a much more competitive Game 2.
Match Details: 36ers vs Kings
- Competition: NBL26 Championship Series
- Match: Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings
- Date: Thursday
- Start Time: 7:30 PM AEDT
- Venue: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Best Betting Tips – 36ers vs Kings
Adelaide 36ers Moneyline
Adelaide’s home record and expected regression from Sydney’s Game 1 shooting makes the 36ers strong value to level the series.
Adelaide Over 93.5 Team Total
The 36ers have consistently scored at home and exceeded this number in all three semi-final games and most matchups against Sydney this season.
Bryce Cotton Over 35.5 PRA
Cotton is primed for a bounce-back performance. Expect increased usage, scoring aggression and playmaking responsibility in a must-win game.
Key Matchup to Watch
Bryce Cotton vs Sydney Defence
Sydney executed their defensive game plan perfectly in Game 1, holding Cotton to just 10 points.
Game 2 becomes a chess match, can the Kings replicate that defensive pressure, or does Cotton adjust and take control?
If Cotton finds rhythm early, Adelaide’s entire offence lifts with him.
Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings start?
Tip-off between Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings is at 7:30 PM AEDT, Friday, March 27
What channel is Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings on?
You can watch Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.
Where can I livestream Adelaide 36ers vs Sydney Kings?
If you are outside of Australia, the NBL allows you to stream live on YouTube via the official NBL channel