Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings NBL Round 15 Game Preview

Jan 3

3 min read

Tip-Off: 8:00 PM AEDT, Saturday, January 4 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings Expert Analysis

The Sydney Kings travel to Brisbane for a Saturday night clash at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, aiming to solidify their place at the top of the NBL ladder.

After a mixed week for the Kings that saw them lose to Adelaide before rallying late to defeat South East Melbourne, Sydney will be eager to stamp their authority with a more consistent performance.

Brisbane, on the other hand, are dealing with roster adjustments and a tough schedule. With key scorer James Batemon sidelined for the season, the Bullets have struggled to find offensive rhythm, dropping consecutive games to top-tier teams Illawarra and Tasmania. The arrival of Josh Adams offers a glimmer of hope, but the talented guard may need time to settle into the team’s system.

Sydney’s offence has been clicking, averaging 104.66 points across their last three games. Jaylen Adams, in particular, has been on fire, reminiscent of his NBL22 MVP form. Brisbane’s defensive struggles and Sydney’s elite scoring and defensive capabilities suggest the Kings have a clear edge heading into this matchup.

Key Matchups

Jaylen Adams vs. Brisbane’s Defence

Adams has been unstoppable, averaging over 30 points in his last three games. With Brisbane ranking last in opposition field goal percentage, containing Adams will be a monumental task.

Josh Adams vs. Sydney’s Perimeter Defence

Josh Adams brings scoring potential to Brisbane, but he faces a tough test against Sydney’s defence, which is second in opposition three-point percentage. How quickly Adams adjusts could be pivotal for the Bullets.

Key Stats

Jaylen Adams: Averaging 30.33 points per game in his past three outings.
Sydney’s Fourth Quarter Dominance: Have won the fourth quarter in 10 of their last 11 games.
Head-to-Head Record: Sydney has won nine of the last 10 matchups against Brisbane.
Brisbane’s Defensive Woes: Rank last in opposition FG% (48.7%) and eighth in opposition points (96.5 per game).

Brisbane Bullets Form & Team News

Brisbane come into this game on the back of two tough losses: a 102-84 defeat to Illawarra and a 95-86 loss to Tasmania. The absence of James Batemon has left a scoring void, but the arrival of Josh Adams offers a potential solution. Adams, a former All-NBL Second Team member, is expected to make his debut and bring much-needed firepower.

Defensively, Brisbane has struggled, ranking at the bottom of the league in opponent FG%. Their ability to handle Sydney’s potent offence, particularly Jaylen Adams, will determine their chances of keeping this game competitive.

Sydney Kings Form & Team News

The Kings showcased their resilience with a massive fourth-quarter comeback against South East Melbourne, winning 110-101 after outscoring their opponents 38-16 in the final term. This followed a disappointing 111-96 loss to Adelaide earlier in the week.

Jaylen Adams has been a standout, delivering MVP-level performances, including 32 points and a stuffed stat sheet against the Phoenix. Sydney’s defence also remains a strength, allowing just 86.7 points per game (2nd in the NBL).

Why Brisbane Will Win

Brisbane’s hopes rest on Josh Adams hitting the ground running and providing a spark to their offence. If the Bullets can improve defensively and keep the game close, they may have a shot to capitalize on any inconsistency from Sydney.

Why Sydney Will Win

The Kings are firing offensively and have a defence capable of suffocating Brisbane’s weakened lineup. With Jaylen Adams in MVP form and a proven ability to close out games, Sydney is poised to dominate on both ends of the floor.

Conclusion

While Brisbane’s home-court advantage and the addition of Josh Adams give them a fighting chance, Sydney’s form, firepower, and defensive prowess make them heavy favourites. Expect the Kings to deliver a commanding performance and extend their dominance over the Bullets.