DrinkWise game preview - Round 7: Wildcats v Hawks

Wagstaff is set to equal Ricky Grace's long-standing Wildcats games record of 482 against the Hawks before breaking it two days later on the road against South-East Melbourne Phoenix.

Rillie said while the selfless and popular captain wouldn't want to make the massive milestone about him, his teammates were keen to celebrate it with a win.

“It will definitely be a moment where no one will want to let him down on such a big occasion for him,” Rillie said.

GET YOUR TICKETS TO FRIDAY NIGHT'S CLASH HERE

“We certainly celebrate it. You would have to be hiding under a really large rock not to know what’s going on for Jesse and that great accomplishment. We certainly want to reflect and use it, but he won’t want that to be the focus of us trying to win the basketball game.

“Every day he respects the process. He lives life the right way. He goes about his profession in a professional manner every day and that’s what allows him to have the long and illustrious career that he’s had.”

The Wildcats, coming off a memorable victory over Sydney at home last Friday night, will be boosted by the return of energetic guard Tai Webster from an adductor injury.

But superstar Bryce Cotton remains sidelined with a rib issue, missing both of the team's round-seven clashes.

Cotton will be replaced in the line-up by Nominated Replacement Player Todd Withers, who impressed against the Kings last game.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks

When: 6.30pm WST Friday 1 November

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

The Hawks have started strongly to NBL25, sitting atop the ladder with an impressive 6-2 record as they look to take another step after their semi-final berth last season.

But like Perth, they have been hit by injury with import Tre Kell III sidelined with a back injury after an awkward landing in last week's loss to Melbourne United.

Last time they met

The Hawks have had the wood over the Wildcats in recent times, winning every meeting between the two teams in NBL24 by an average of 17 points.

The last time they met was in the final regular-season round last season, when Illawarra prevailed 108-92 on their home court.

Gary Clark, who is no longer with the Hawks after signing in Japan during the off-season, starred with a game-high 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Bryce Cotton was the Wildcats' top-scorer with 20 points.