DrinkWise game preview - Round 11: Perth Wildcats v Tasmania JackJumpers

Webster, who miss last week’s loss to Illawarra, is back from illness in a welcome boost to take on the second-placed JackJumpers.

The winner of the match is set to jump to second spot, with one win currently separating the two teams.

“Tai was back on Monday at practice. If we were lucky enough to have a later game last week he would have been able to play, just us travelling over east earlier on just wasn’t worth it,” Rillie said.

“He’s had a good week, Tasmania is playing well and they’re just a tough team to prepare for so they got our full attention this week.

“It all comes under the illness, loading, all that type of stuff … they wear those Catapult (GPS) devices so we understand the workload and we’re trying to be mindful so we can avoid injury.”

Tasmania will also bring back one of their stars in Milton Doyle, who returns after travelling to the US to attend his late father’s funeral.

But Rillie knows the JackJumpers have plenty of other weapons to worry about.

“He's one of the better performers in the NBL, but we can’t discredit the other guys on the floor,” Rillie said.

“(Jordon) Crawford is a handful, Will Magnay is coming back to show why he’s played time in the NBA, Jack McVeigh gets floated around as a First Team All-NBL guy, Anthony Drmic’s found a nice little role with Tasmania.

“Milton Doyle is a very good player and a clutch performer in this league, but we can’t disrespect them as a team and the other personnel they have on their roster.

“You’ve got to be on top of the scout for these guys, because the minute you don’t give them the respect or relax a little bit, they will punish you.”

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers

When: 6.30pm WST Friday 15 December

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

Tasmania sit second on the ladder with a 9-5 record, one win more than the Wildcats.

The JackJumpers have the longest current winning streak in the competition, prevailing in their last three outings.

Last time they met

The Wildcats and JackJumpers last met in the opening round of the NBL24 season.

Perth were victorious that night at RAC Arena, with import Jordan Usher exploding with 35 points on debut in the thrilling 101-95 triumph.