A 42-point Bryce Cotton masterclass lifted the Adelaide 36ers to victory over a dogged South East Melbourne Phoenix in game one of their semi-final playoff series.

The Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers square off for the Dr John Raschke Trophy.

Newly appointed Brisbane Bullets coach Will Weaver is set to make a play for NBL Next Star teen sensation Luke Paul in what would be a major coup for the success-starved franchise.