DrinkWise Preview: Play-in – Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans

When: 11am WST Sunday 12 February

Where: Cairns Convention Centre

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Context

This is another do or die clash for the Perth Wildcats on their road to the championship series. The Wildcats pulled off an almighty come-from-behind win over SEM Phoenix on Thursday night at John Cain Arena, with some Brady Manek magic and fourth-courter brilliance from Bryce Cotton. Manek kept the Cats in the game with 24 points, including 6 three-pointers, while Cotton turned up the heat in the final quarter to finish with 26 points and 8 rebounds in the 7-point win. Cairns Taipans come into this came following a loss to Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday night and will be looking to bounce back and keep their Grand Final hopes alive.

Pre-game words

Head coach John Rillie shares his thoughts ahead of the clash with Cairns.

“The easy equation in it now is if you lose, you’re done,” he said.

“At the tail end of our season, we were still in good shape to make the playoffs, and it wasn’t as do or die, now it’s one or the other, win and advance or lose and go home.

“We’re well placed so hopefully the emotion that goes along with playoff basketball, we can be the team that can handle that with a better mentality.”

Roster Availability

No changes

Opponents to watch out for

2022/23 All-NBL second team member DJ Hogg is a big presence on both ends of the floor and no stranger to hitting clutch threes at pivotal points in a game.

Last time they met

The Perth Wildcats last met Cairns Taipans in Round 18, falling 71-84 at RAC Arena. Bryce Cotton finished with a game-high 28 points for the Wildcats, while Majok Deng was the Taipan’s best, managing 14 points and 11 rebounds.