Sixers Aim to Regain Form as Humphries’ Return Anticipated
Adelaide 36ers’ head coach, Mike Wells, is hopeful that Isaac Humphries will return to action on Thursday night against Illawarra. Humphries recently managed only 16 minutes in a loss to South East Melbourne, missing the entire last quarter due to knee soreness. After Tuesday’s training session, Wells expressed that the team is doing everything possible to ensure Humphries is prepared to play.
Isaac Humphries’ Recovery and Performance
Wells pointed out that Humphries needed rest to recover. “The games, minutes, and travel have likely worn him down,” Wells noted. He praised Humphries for his contributions this season, saying, “I’m super proud of him and what he’s accomplished.” Expectations are high for Humphries’ recovery as he partners with Nick Rakocevic, who is back after a one-game suspension.
Recent Team Performance
The Sixers have experienced mixed results since the start of January, achieving four wins and four losses. Wells acknowledged the dissatisfaction within the organization regarding January’s performance. He emphasized the importance of recommitting to defense to regain their competitive edge.
- Current Record: 21-8
- Recent Run: 4 wins, 4 losses since January
“I don’t want to make excuses,” Wells stated, acknowledging several factors for the recent slump, including defensive issues. He highlighted that defense and rebounding are crucial for their success, stating, “When we defend and rebound well, we are a very strong team.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, the Sixers sit atop the ladder with a solid overall record. Wells remains optimistic about their run-in to the finals, saying, “If it’s February first, and you’re in first place with four games to go, we’d gladly take that.”
The team will travel on Wednesday for their match against the Hawks, which is set to begin at 7:00 PM ACDT. The upcoming game will be critical as they aim to regain their winning form.
