Two of the NBL's hot-starting teams will do battle this Friday night, as the Sydney Kings travel to Brisbane to take on the Bullets.
The Bullets are coming off a brutally close loss, recovering from 16 points down to push it to the final seconds, before losing 89-86 to the Cairns Taipans - their first defeat of the season.
Sydney are riding a bit more momentum, having defeated the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday, but hold the same record as Brisbane - 2-1 - as these teams prepare to face off.
Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings prediction
- Prediction: Sydney Kings to win
Despite a rocky pre-season, the Sydney Kings have started their quest for a three-peat in fine fashion, racking up wins over Illawarra and Adelaide, and dropping only one game, to a dangerous-looking Tasmania squad.
MORE: Menulog is serving up FREE* Delivery with Hungry Jack’s orders over $15 on Friday Nights
Brisbane have also had an impressive start to the year, able to turn the ship around after a disastrous 2022/23 campaign to begin this season with two wins in three games, taking down Adelaide and New Zealand, and narrowly being edged out by Cairns.
The Black Out is here.
— Brisbane Bullets (@BrisbaneBullets) October 8, 2023
This Friday against the Sydney Kings we’ll be suiting up in our NBL24 Black Out kit. Supporting discussion around mental health and @blackdoginst
👀 Jersey available soon
🎟https://t.co/t5kagCTaqI#RIVERCITYSTRONG pic.twitter.com/fgIDKFxFjY
This matchup should feature some dynamic play from both sides; Nathan Sobey still riding the high of a 33-point outing in Round 2, while Jordan Hunter was able to get it going for the Kings to the tune of 22 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in their most recent win.
While both teams have gotten off to good starts, this game ultimately should come down to a case of contender versus pretender and the Kings will have what it takes to keep their winning feeling alive.
Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings key matchup
- Key matchup: Nathan Sobey vs Jaylen Adams
Two of the NBL's premier big-time scorers will go toe-to-toe this Friday, as Sobey and Adams look to propel their teams to wins.
Sobey is coming off a 33-point performance against Cairns, bringing his averages up to 24.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and three assists per game, and the Bullets will no doubt need another big performance from their star guard if they want to get the job done.
Jaylen Adams from deep to kick us off 🧙
— NBL (@NBL) October 8, 2023
Catch the second game of our Sunday hoops session live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies | 10 Peach and 10 play 📺 pic.twitter.com/PLcDFshmGw
Adams has been his usual brilliant self through three games, contributing 19 points, five assists, and two rebounds per game for Sydney, including some big-time shots to help seal the win against Adelaide.
Both guards will no doubt look to bring their A-game, but the star who shines more brightly could be the difference between success and failure.
Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings player to watch
- Player to watch: Sam McDaniel
It's still early in the season, but Bullets guard Sam McDaniel has thrown his hat into the ring for Most Improved Player consideration, upping his production significantly during Brisbane's hot start.
McDaniel started the year off with a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double, and hit double-figures in scoring again against Cairns, with 11 points and eight rebounds.
Sam McDaniel showcased it all defensively in like 10 seconds to close the game. Switches off of Cheatham onto a 3-point sniper in Gliddon. Breakers basically run post split action for Gliddon. McDaniel sniffs it out, stays attached, swats 3, gets rebound to win. pic.twitter.com/eFfDN7MGBA
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) October 5, 2023
The 27-year-old has more than doubled his averages across the board so far this year, up to 10.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, as well as absolutely suffocating defensive chops, and if he can keep up this form, he will be a key piece of this Brisbane core going forward.
Sydney could be a tough task for McDaniel, but if he stays consistent he will be a huge factor in this game.
When is Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings?
The Brisbane Bullets take on the Sydney Kings on Friday, October 13, at Nissan Arena in Brisbane.
The game is set to tip off at 7:30 pm AEDT.
How to watch Brisbane Bullets vs Sydney Kings
The Friday night clash between the Brisbane Bullets and the Sydney Kings will be shown live on ESPN, via Foxtel.
The game can also be streamed on Kayo.
| TV Channel | ESPN |
| Streaming | Kayo |
*Available on Friday, 5-10pm until 18th February 2024. Participating stores only. Min spend $15. Service fees apply
