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Murray Wenzel

Bruton weighs up import as 36ers get lay of NBL land

The 36ers' Isaac Humphries looking glum after the 86-71 defeat by the Brisbane Bullets. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

CJ Bruton has a decision to make and the Adelaide 36ers coach expects clarity to come quickly in a "thick and fast" start to the NBL season.

His men let slip a golden chance of a season-opening win in Brisbane on Friday night, up 15-0 inside the first two-and-a-half minutes at Nissan Arena.

But the Bullets found their defensive grit, dominating the boards and were then led home by Nathan Sobey, Aron Baynes, Sam McDaniel and Chris Smith to win 86-71.

The visitors, who finished eighth last season, went into battle without a third import after cutting shooting guard Jamaal Franklin on Monday.

Centre Isaac Humphries (17 points, seven rebounds) slugged it out with NBA champion centre Baynes while import power forward Jacob Wiley (15 points, nine rebounds, five assists) had his moments.

Import guard Trey Kell started strongly but finished with nine points on four-of-17 shooting.

And the 36ers were out-rebounded 62-47 and gave up 23 offensive rebounds, Bruton admitting that was the difference after they reduced a 15-point deficit to four late in the fourth term.

The coach says he'll hold fire before deciding whether to replace Franklin with a like-for-like or bolster the front court.

"It's something I'll discuss with ownership, but as of right now, games are coming thick and fast and we have to keep it simple," he said.

"I'd like to think over the next few games we'll be able to know for sure what we need and as the league unfolds see what we need to push and make that run.

"It's not just Isaac playing the four and five (position).

"The more we get to play together the more you'll see them shine and ability to play a bit faster than what we did tonight."

Adelaide host Melbourne United on Sunday before a tough Perth-Sydney double next weekend.

"There will be a few things (to improve) ... from what you saw from the Blitz and our movements that have gone on to the week ahead," Bruton said.

"Our season's starting, we're not dropping our heads, it's about making sure we bounce back.

"Take it in our stride, make sure we're prepared for Melbourne United at home."

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