Good news: there’s a Jazz basketball game tonight! Bad news: unless you watch live, chances are you’re not watching it. Why? Beats me. Tonight’s opponent is the Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s NBL. The team is so named because it is based in the Australian federated state of South Australia, which was designated an official province of the British Empire on February 19, 1836.

The 36ers are composed of native Australian players, one Sudanese fellow, and a couple Americans, including team captain Jacob Wiley, former all-Big Sky forward for Eastern Washington. None of these players have ever played a game in the NBA.

Still, this will serve as another needed tune-up game for players such as Thabo Sefolosha, who is coming off an ACL tear, and Grayson Allen, who (unpopular opinion alert) is probably headed for the SLC Stars to begin the season. Allen struggled against NBA competition when the Jazz beat the Toronto Raptors, putting up a line of 6 points on 2-9 shooting, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers. He’s clearly a talented athlete, but he does need as much time on the court as he can get to hone his game.

Another Jazz player to watch is Tony Bradley. He, too, has the physical skills he needs to be a solid big, and this scrimmage will be a good chance for him to practice his footwork. Finally, I’m a Georges Niang stan. If he gets some burn, he’ll likely shine against slower, smaller NBL talent.

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Game Info

When: 7:00MT • Friday October 5th, 2018

Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena · Salt Lake City, Utah

TV:

Radio: 1280 AM/97.5 FM The Zone

Injuries:

Utah Jazz:

Dante Exum: Right Knee — OUT

Perth Wildcats:

None