Defensive guard Nathan Herbert will have scans after suffering a significant knee injury in last night's pre-season win over Townsville.

The 36ers edged the Crocs in front of a very noisy pre-season crowd, but the victory was bittersweet.

Herbert, defended heavily on a fastbreak, was pushed off his line, fell and rolled in what did not at first seem a bad incident. However, when Herbert, known and recruited for his on-court toughness, did not immediately get to his feet, team captain Adam Ballinger waved over medical staff.

Helped off the court and putting absolutely no pressure on his knee, the crowd's concerns were acknowledged with news that staff believe he may have torn his right anterior cruciate ligament, the "ACL" injury feared by all athletes.

Herbert will have scans as soon as possible to ascertain the severity of the injury and best wishes from team mates, the club and fans are obviously with Nathan this week.

Before the injury, Herbert had started and played 15:33 for solid numbers of five points, four rebounds and three assists.

Adelaide won the game 87-86.