The Adelaide Lightning return home with a familiar opponent — and one they’ve had success against already this season.
Two of Adelaide’s four wins have come against the Sydney Flames, including their most recent victory in Round 9. It’s a matchup that’s brought out some of the Lightning’s best basketball, and they’ll be keen to lean on that confidence again.
For Adelaide, the focus will be on setting the tone early. Defensive pressure, energy in transition, and trust in their depth have been key in both wins against Sydney, and those same elements will be front of mind once again.
At the offensive end, the Lightning will want to stay composed, move the ball, and attack the paint with purpose. When they do that, they’ve shown they can create quality looks and control momentum.
Sydney will look to slow things down, defend hard, and keep the game within reach, but Adelaide will see this as a real opportunity to protect home court and complete a season sweep.
With confidence from past success and a clear plan in place, the Lightning will be eager to make it three from three against the Flames.
Key Matchups & Focus Areas
Perimeter pressure vs a reshaped Flames backcourt
With Sydney without Lauren Nicholson, Adelaide’s guards have a chance to set the tone. Ball pressure, active hands, and forcing tough decisions early will be key in disrupting the Flames’ rhythm and confidence.
What’s changed since Round 9? New faces with finals pedigree
Both teams will look slightly different to the last time they met, with each adding an injury replacement player since Round 9 — and both arrive with recent finals experience.
Sydney have bolstered their lineup with Jessica McDowell-White from the Whai, while Adelaide have added Charlotte Whittaker from the Pouākai. Both featured in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa Grand Final, bringing composure, physicality, and big-game experience into already shortened rotations.
Tempo control
When the Lightning play with pace, they’re at their best. Turning defensive stops into transition opportunities will be a focus, while smart shot selection will help Adelaide avoid feeding Sydney easy run-outs.
Adelaide Lightning vs Sydney Flames
📅 Tuesday 13 January 2026
⏰ Tip Off 6.30pm ACDT
📍 SA State Basketball Centre
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📺 9Now | ESPN on Disney+ | ESPN2
