Kai Sotto-less Adelaide 36ers drop season opener vs Perth Wildcats

The Adelaide 36ers struggled to open its 2021 National Basketball League (NBL) on a high note after absorbing an 85-73 loss to the Perth Wildcats at the RAC Arena on Friday night (Manila time).

Playing without Filipino youngster Kai Sotto, who was sidelined due to knee soreness, the 36ers got plenty of production from big man Daniel Johnson who produced 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and a block.

The loss also saw Cameron Bairstow and Dusty Hannahs carving out 15 and 10 markers, respectively, for the 36ers.

Meanwhile, American Victor Law led the Wildcats with game-high 37 points, four boards, and a steal in almost 37 minutes of action.

Adelaide will try to bounce back when it faces Illawarra Hawks on Sunday, December 5, at 10 a.m.

Sotto's availability for the next game, though, remains uncertain as he has yet to get clearance from his injury. Aside from him, teammates Emmanuel Malou (knee soreness) and Sunday Dech (quadricep) were also ruled out of tonight's game.

—JMB, GMA News