Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets NBL25 Game Preview

Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets Expert Analysis

The Adelaide 36ers are charging toward the play-in tournament and will look to continue their strong form when they host the struggling Brisbane Bullets at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday night.

The 36ers have won six of their last eight games and now sit in sixth place, holding their postseason fate in their own hands. With tougher matchups against South East Melbourne and Perth looming, this is a must-win game to solidify their position.

On the other hand, Brisbane's season has unraveled due to injuries and inconsistent performances. Their defence has been woeful, allowing over 100 points per game in their last ten outings, and they now face a red-hot Adelaide offence that thrives on home court.

Expect the 36ers to dominate the paint, with Montrezl Harrell leading the charge inside, and Adelaide’s sharpshooters taking full advantage of Brisbane’s leaky perimeter defence.

Key Matchups

Montrezl Harrell (Adelaide) vs. Brisbane’s Undersized Frontcourt

Harrell has been a force in the paint, leading the NBL in points scored inside. Brisbane doesn’t have the size or depth to stop him, so expect a big scoring night.

Kendric Davis & Dejan Vasiljevic (Adelaide) vs. Brisbane’s Perimeter Defence

Brisbane has struggled to contain opposition guards, and with Adelaide ranking third in three-point shooting, Davis and Vasiljevic could feast on open looks.

Brisbane’s Offence vs. Adelaide’s Defence

Brisbane’s scoring has been inconsistent, averaging just 92.5 points per game this season. Adelaide's defence isn’t elite, but they’ve locked down opponents at home recently, holding teams to just 82.3 points in their last three games.

Key Stats

• Adelaide is averaging 98.8 points per game in their last 10 matches.

• The 36ers’ defence has allowed an average of just 82.3 points in their last three home games.

• Brisbane ranks last in the NBL in defence, allowing 101.3 points per game over their last 10 matches.

• Montrezl Harrell leads the league in points scored in the paint (13.1 per game).

Why Adelaide Win

The 36ers are peaking at the right time and have been dominant at home. Their offence is firing on all cylinders, and Brisbane’s defence is simply not equipped to contain them. Adelaide’s star duo of Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell should have a field day, with Harrell controlling the paint and Davis facilitating. If the 36ers don’t have an off-shooting night, they’ll easily clear the 100-point mark.

Why Brisbane Win

For Brisbane to pull off an upset, they need a near-flawless shooting night. Casey Prather and Keandre Cook will have to put up big numbers, and the Bullets must find a way to slow down Adelaide’s attack—something they haven’t been able to do all season. If they can somehow limit Harrell inside and force Adelaide into tough shots, they have a chance to stay in the game.

Conclusion

Everything points to an Adelaide win here. They are in great form, need the win to keep their play-in hopes alive, and have a significant advantage inside against Brisbane’s depleted frontcourt. The Bullets simply don’t have the depth or defensive structure to keep up.