DrinkWise game preview: Round 16 - Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings

Doolittle missed Friday night’s massive home win over Brisbane as he works his way through concussion protocols.

The star import has been progressing well and will be a game-day decision for Sunday's Pride Round fixture.

The Wildcats recorded their highest score since 2015 on Friday night, piling on 118 points against the Bullets despite missing Doolittle and top NBA draft prospect Alex Sarr who’s currently out with a hip injury.

? TEAM UPDATE ?

Kristian Doolittle has progressed well through concussion protocols and will be a game-day decision for tomorrow’s clash against Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena. pic.twitter.com/JHH80UZf8w

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) January 20, 2024

It was the team’s sixth consecutive 100-plus score.

Head coach John Rillie was impressed by the way his players appreciated each other’s strengths.

“They really do appreciate the strengths of each other,” Rillie said.

“That’s the thing I love about this group. They’re worried about the strengths of each other.

“It took us a little moment to figure out who we were, but you saw at the end - a great sign is when everyone gets to play. When those guys that play 30-plus minutes every week are up encouraging those (bench) guys, that’s a very positive sign.

“I preach that in the world, we worry about too many down times. Instead of worrying about where can we get better, let’s get our strengths better. That’s what I concentrate on.”

With Melbourne United (16-6) going down to Tasmania on Friday night means Perth (14-7) are only two wins behind the ladder leaders with one game in hand heading into the pointy end of the season.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings

When: 11am WST Sunday 21 January

Where: Qudos Bank Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

The Kings are sitting in fourth spot with an 11-11 record after thrashing New Zealand at home last round.

Jaylen Adams dropped a career-best 39 points in the win over the Breakers and is averaging nearly 19 per game to go with six assists.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak.

The Kings are 6-5 at home, including a big win over the Wildcats back in Round 3.

Last time they met

The Wildcats and Kings last met in Round 9 at RAC Arena, with the hosts prevailing 114-105 amid their mid-season surge.

Bryce Cotton hit a season-high 41 points to go with seven assists and five rebounds, while Keanu Pinder (18 points and nine rebounds) fell one rebound shy of a double-double.

Former NBA player Jonah Bolden was the Kings’ best with 28 points and five rebounds, with Jaylen Adams (21 points, eight assists and six rebounds) also having a big impact.