The NBL25 Finals continue on Thursday night with a do or die battle between the Sydney Kings and the Adelaide 36ers. The winner goes through to Sunday’s Play-In Game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, while the loser’s season concludes effective immediately.
We landed a 3-unit winner on Tuesday night thanks to the Wildcats covering the spread, which takes our season tally to 90-63 and +32.38 units. We bring you our full game preview and best bet for the Kings vs 36ers clash below!
NBL25 Play-In Qualifier Preview & Betting Tips
Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers
Thursday 7:30pm AEDT (Feb 13), Qudos Bank Arena
The Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers face off in a high-stakes play-in game, with the winner advancing to face South East Melbourne Phoenix for a spot in the semi-finals. The Kings finished the regular season with a 16-13 record but ended on a rough note, losing their last three games. That late-season slump saw them drop to fifth place, meaning they must now win two elimination games just to reach the semi-finals. Similarly, the 36ers also closed the season with three straight losses, but their 13-16 record was just enough to secure sixth place. Adelaide will take confidence from their recent success against Sydney, winning three of their four matchups this season and five of the last six meetings overall.
Home court advantage could play a significant role, with the Kings going 7-7 at Qudos Bank Arena this season. While that is not an elite home record, it is far better than Adelaide’s struggles on the road, with their 4-10 away record tying for the fewest road wins in the league. Sydney also has the experience of playing in high-pressure playoff scenarios, which could give them an edge over an inconsistent 36ers side. Despite their recent form, the Kings remain one of the better offensive teams in the competition and have shown the ability to rise to the occasion in big moments.
One of the biggest storylines leading into this game is the suspension of former MVP Xavier Cooks. He has been ruled out indefinitely after recording an Adverse Analytical Finding, resulting in a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy. His absence leaves a major gap for Sydney, particularly in rebounding and defensive versatility. Without Cooks, the Kings managed just 75 points in their last game, highlighting the challenge they face in replacing his impact. However, young forward Alex Toohey played a team-high 33 minutes in that game and had an increased role, scoring 12 points despite struggling from the field. He is expected to start again and could play a key role in filling the void.
For Adelaide, this game presents a chance to continue their strong run against Sydney and prove they belong in the playoffs. Although their recent form is poor, they have consistently troubled the Kings this season, and their ability to close out tight games has been a factor in their push for the top six. The biggest challenge for the 36ers will be overcoming their poor road form, as they have struggled to perform away from home all season. Defensively, they will need to step up significantly against a Kings team capable of putting up big scoring numbers when they find their rhythm.
Despite losing three of four games to the 36ers this season, the Kings remain a strong chance to win. Their home court advantage, playoff experience, and offensive depth give them an edge. At $2.55, there is value in backing them to get the job done. Toohey looks set for another big role, and taking him to score over 11.5 points is my main play in this one.
Also Backing: Kings to Win $2.55 (0.5 Units)
Toohey Over 11.5 Points
$1.92 (2 Units)
