Fri Dec 06 09:10:00 UTC 2024: **Adelaide 36ers Face Brisbane Bullets Shorthanded but Confident**

BRISBANE, QLD – The Adelaide 36ers will be without three key players – captain DJ Vasiljevic (hamstring injury), and suspended imports Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell – when they take on the Brisbane Bullets on Friday night at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Despite the significant absences, 36ers swingman Sunday Dech expressed unwavering confidence in his team’s ability to compete.

“Losing DJ is going to hurt, but it’s a great opportunity for other guys to step up,” Dech stated. He highlighted the strong performances of Keanu Rasmussen and Ben Griscti in the previous game against the Tasmania JackJumpers, expecting similar contributions from Jacob Rigoni this Friday. Dech emphasized the need for a collective team effort to compensate for the missing firepower.

Rasmussen’s impressive nine points and four assists against the JackJumpers, along with his defensive efforts against Milton Doyle, have bolstered Dech’s belief in the team’s depth. He praised the readiness of the bench players, stating that they’ve consistently shown their capabilities in practice.

Dech is expected to play a crucial role in containing Bullets import guard James Batemon, who exploded for 51 points in his last game at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. While acknowledging Batemon’s offensive prowess, Dech outlined a team defensive strategy, emphasizing his commitment to making Batemon’s job difficult and highlighting the support he will receive from teammates like Isaac Humphries, Jarell Martin, and Ben Griscti.

The game, set to tip off at 7pm ACDT, will be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo Sports. While the 36ers face a challenging matchup, their confidence in their depth and team unity suggests a competitive contest is in store.

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