Sixers receive big boost ahead of crucial clash

The Adelaide 36ers will be boosted by the inclusion of recruit Mangok Mathiang on Saturday, after coach Trevor Gleeson explained he would ‘play some part’ against the Phoenix.

The big man, who said he’d be ready whenever his number was called, joins the Sixers after the sudden retirement of Isaac Humphries.

As excited as the former Charlotte Hornet is to return to the NBL hardwood, coach Gleeson is equally keen to see the impact the South Sudanese international can make on the defensive end.

“He has very high basketball IQ, is athletic at rebounds, and protects the rim,” Gleeson said during Friday’s media availability.

“I know Mangok pretty well, and that’s what we need on the defensive end, especially with rebounding.

“He’s not in great physical condition. He’s got to get a little bit acclimatised to what we’re doing and his role, so I’m looking forward to him helping us out a little bit.”

The Sixers will be looking to make it three road wins on the trot, after victories in Sydney and Tasmania, when they travel to John Cain Arena.

Gleeson knows how important those road wins are for his understrength side, who are still without stars Flynn Cameron and Bul Kuol.

“Flynn’s only played 20 minutes the whole season, and he’s our starting point guard,” Gleeson added.

“We knew we had to move our chess pieces around. We had to ask our bench to deliver a little bit more.

“Now we’ve got another two games on the road here.

“Seven out of the first 10 games are on the road, so it’s challenging, and we’re going through adversity. I like how we’re responding so far.”

Adelaide’s Round 6 clash with South East Melbourne tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN, 9 (in Melbourne and Adelaide), 9Go! and 9Now.