Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers Live: 2026 New Year NBL Showdown, Scores, Highlights & How to Watch

SYDNEY — The Sydney Kings roll into tonight’s Round 15 showdown with the Adelaide 36ers riding a season-best six-game winning streak, yet they’ll be without explosive forward Kouat Noi, who has been ruled out with a lower-leg injury. The absence forces head coach Brian Goorjian to lean even harder on MVP-candidate Xavier Cooks, league scoring leader Kendric Davis and defensive anchor Bul Kuol as the champions look to cement their top-four position in the NBL26 standings. Tip-off at Adelaide Entertainment Centre is set for 7:30 pm AEDT, with the game available live on ESPN, Kayo Sports and 10 Play. Search interest for “how to watch Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers” has surged since New Year’s Day, highlighting the national appetite for the league’s marquee matchup. The Kings’ offence, ranked second in the competition at 96.4 points per game, will face an Adelaide unit that thrives on grinding, half-court basketball. Assistant coach Andrew Bogut expects “a game of chess” between two contrasting styles, noting that winning the rebound battle remains Sydney’s biggest key after allowing 14 offensive boards in last week’s win over Brisbane. Key storylines for fans and bettors: • Kouat Noi injury update: The 201 cm swingman is targeting a return later this month; Jaylin Galloway moves into the starting five. • Xavier Cooks heating up: The former league MVP is averaging 22.8 points and 11.1 rebounds across the win streak, shooting 56 % from the field. • Kendric Davis vs Trey Kell: Two of the NBL’s quickest guards square off; Davis leads the league in fourth-quarter scoring. • Bench depth watch: Veterans Shaun Bruce and Matthew Dellavedova must steady a second unit now missing Noi’s 14 points per night. Historically, the Kings have won eight of the last ten meetings with Adelaide, including a 104-89 statement victory in December that ignited their current surge. Another triumph would push Sydney to 14-7 and keep them within striking distance of second-placed Perth as the regular season intensifies. Search-friendly takeaway: Fans seeking live stream details, injury news or betting tips for Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers can expect fast-paced offence from the Kings, defensive grit from the 36ers and a playoff-level atmosphere as Brian Goorjian’s men chase a seventh straight win despite the Kouat Noi setback.