What’s “required” from Oliver vs 36ers?

Sydney’s Cam Oliver will need to have a big performance if the Kings want to advance in the Finals tonight, according to 1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker.

The undersized Kings face an almighty task trying to stop the monster Sixers frontcourt of Montrezl Harrell, Isaac Humphries and the returning Jarell Martin, which places a major emphasis on Oliver being at his prime tonight. 

“It is going to be required that Cam Oliver shows extreme foul discipline,” Rucker told NBL Now.  

“We saw him get in foul trouble in the last home game, that absolutely can not happen tonight. He is going to have to be able to defend, he is going to have to rebound the basketball, and provide an offensive punch all over the court for the Kings.” 

Rucker added youngster Jason Spurgin will also need to play a role in what looms as a “tough assignment” for Sydney’s bigs. 

Oliver had 9 points and 14 rebounds in the Kings’ last meeting with the 36ers on January 24. 

The winner of tonight’s game advances to Sunday’s Play-In Game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, while the loser is eliminated.  

Tip-off between Sydney and Adelaide is 7:30pm AEDT tonight, live on ESPN.