The Adelaide 36ers' recent struggles have NBL experts questioning their size and overall performance. With a 2-4 stretch across their past six games, the 36ers are now officially too small, according to Damon Lowery. The team's issues were evident in their losses to the Phoenix and Kings, where they were outplayed in terms of size and physicality. The 36ers' defensive identity is also a concern, with their rotations all over the place and their offense uncertain. Mike Wells' post-game press conference following the Phoenix loss did not help matters, as he sounded dejected and tired. Despite the concerns, the 36ers still hold the league's best record at 21-8 and remain on top of the ladder with three rounds to play. However, their response this round will shape the narrative of their season. If they rediscover their identity, they remain a championship threat. But if they don't, the red-hot Phoenix and Kings are waiting. Meanwhile, the Tasmania JackJumpers have been dealt another cruel blow with the season-ending injury to Ben Ayre, their third in the race for sixth place. The JackJumpers will lean heavily on their young bench group to carry them through the remainder of the season.
