Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets NBL Round 13 Game Preview

Tip-off is at 5:30 pm AEDT on Christmas Eve at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets Expert Analysis

The Adelaide 36ers and Brisbane Bullets clash on Christmas Eve in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Both teams have showcased exciting offensive firepower in recent weeks, but their respective struggles on the defensive end have left them searching for consistency.

For Adelaide, this game represents an opportunity to end a string of tough losses, including a lacklustre performance against South East Melbourne in their last outing. Despite the setback, Adelaide’s dynamic scoring duo of Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell will be pivotal as they aim to capitalise on Brisbane’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Brisbane, on the other hand, come into this matchup riding the high of an important victory over Cairns. Their offence continues to deliver, having surpassed the 100-point mark in six of their last nine games, with Casey Prather leading the charge. However, their defensive frailties remain a significant concern, highlighted by allowing the Taipans—one of the league’s lowest-scoring teams—to reach triple digits for the first time since early October.

The Bullets have also struggled away from home, particularly in Adelaide, where they’ve dropped their last three visits to the Entertainment Centre.

This matchup will likely be decided by each team’s ability to play to their strengths while mitigating their weaknesses. Adelaide’s home dominance and league-best turnover efficiency could tilt the scales in their favour, especially given Brisbane’s league-worst turnover rate.

With playoff aspirations on the line as the season approaches its midpoint, both teams will be eager to prove they can perform under pressure. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game with plenty of highlights as two of the league’s most electrifying offences go head-to-head.

Key Matchups

Kendric Davis vs. Casey Prather

Kendric Davis has been on an absolute tear, averaging 31.75 points over his last four games. His scoring ability and leadership will be critical in breaking down Brisbane’s defence. On the other side, Casey Prather’s recent 35-point performance highlights his ability to take over games. If Prather catches fire again, Adelaide’s defence will need to adjust quickly.

Adelaide’s Turnover Efficiency vs. Brisbane’s Carelessness

Adelaide leads the league in points off turnovers and ranks first in turnover efficiency, while Brisbane commits the most turnovers in the league at 13.8 per game. This contrast could swing the game decisively in Adelaide’s favour if they can capitalise on Brisbane’s mistakes.

Key Stats

• Home Court Advantage: Adelaide is 6-2 at home this season, and Brisbane has lost three straight games at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

• Bullets’ Defensive Struggles: Brisbane allows 96.6 points per game, the worst in the NBL, and has given up 100+ points in four of their last six games.

• Adelaide’s Scoring Duo: With Kendric Davis in stellar form and Montrezl Harrell providing inside dominance, the 36ers’ offence looks formidable despite recent losses.

• Brisbane’s Offensive Strength: The Bullets rank fourth in scoring, averaging 95.6 points per game, and have surpassed 100 points in six of their last nine outings.

Why Adelaide Wins

Adelaide’s home record and their ability to force and capitalise on turnovers give them the edge. With Davis and Harrell both fit and firing, the 36ers have the tools to exploit Brisbane’s defensive lapses and outscore the Bullets in what could be a shootout.

Why Brisbane Wins

If Brisbane can limit their turnovers and get big performances from Prather and Keandre Cook, their high-octane offence could overwhelm Adelaide’s inconsistent defence. Their ability to win close games, as seen in the Sunshine Stoush, shows they can thrive under pressure.

Prediction

The 36ers have struggled defensively, but Brisbane’s inability to defend consistently should make this a favourable matchup for Adelaide’s scorers. Expect a high-scoring game, with Adelaide’s home advantage and turnover efficiency proving decisive.