Injuries won’t slow Adelaide's NBL26 charge

Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Wells says continuity is key, as his team races to build chemistry and bring together a new-look roster while managing early injuries.

“Unfortunately, we have a few injuries, so it's taken a few of the main guys out of the rotations in practices and things,” Wells said on Tuesday.

Bryce Cotton will miss the opening game of the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, with Isaac Humphries and Matt Kenyon also sidelined by calf complaints.

The club says the injuries are minor, but any absence adds pressure with just a month until the regular season.

"I think the goal is always to be ready for the Brisbane game on September 28,” Wells said.

“We've got a long time until then, a lot of practice days. We haven't had the whole team together yet because Trezz (Harrell) hasn't been here, but he'll be joining us soon and things will start to take shape when you add him in."

The 36ers will use the Blitz to accelerate team cohesion, giving their new-look roster valuable game time together, including Flynn Cameron, Zylan Cheatham and Isaac White.

Wells says the team is progressing well, with their leaders helping to set the tone for the season ahead.

"I think as a whole, the group came in in a really good spot,” Wells continued.

"Bryce, the moment he walks in, he kind of sets a standard of just how he works. He's not a vocal leader, but he's a leader in a lot of other ways.

"I think everybody's trying to get to know us and we're all trying to get used to playing with him on the floor. Those things take time, communication, organisation, and understanding what Bryce likes to do and what he's used to doing. We're building on those things.

"With Zylan, he's just a ball of energy. He's a really loud, boisterous, happy guy that brings the juice. He looks for different ways to impact the group and impact playing with more energy, physicality, and stuff like that. Everybody's just getting used to playing with their partner and figuring out the best way that everybody can be successful."

The 36ers open their CODE Sports NBL Blitz campaign on Wednesday night against Illawarra at 8pm AEST, live on Disney+ and Kayo.