DrinkWise Preview: Round 15 – Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers  

When: 5:00pm WST Saturday 14 January

Where: RAC Arena  

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Context

Perth Wildcats come into this game following a thrilling three-point victory over the NZ Breakers on Tuesday night. In a historic event, RAC Arena will open the roof for Saturday’s game, in front of what will be the biggest crowd of the season. This is a must-win match for the Wildcats with the fight for ladder positions getting tougher and tighter by the day. Adelaide come into this game on the back of a 82-98 loss to Tasmania on Thursday and will be looking return to the winners list.

Not only is this significant game being played in the open air, it's also Member's Reconition Round, showing support for the valued Wildcats members and their incredible contribution to the club.

It is also the Cattalini Cup, a classic Wildcats vs Adelaide match-up where the winner of the game will be awarded the Cattalini Cup, and the best player of the game will be awarded the Paul Rogers medal. 

Pre-game words

Wildcats coach John Rillie shares his thoughts ahead of the clash with Adelaide.

“Adelaide are explosive and dynamic in the open floor,” he said.

“It requires us to be playing good offense so they can’t just run it down our throats, their athleticism, they’re disruptive defensively so we’ve got to look after the ball and get back in defensive transition and rebound the ball.

“If we rebound the ball we’ll be able to get out and get some easy baskets, it sounds simple but they’re one of the most explosive teams in the NBL.”

Roster Availability

TBA

Opponents to watch out for

Roberts Franks has been consistently impressive this season and comes into this game following a 24-point game on Thursday night.

Last time they met

The Perth Wildcats last met Adelaide 36ers in December, getting an 8-point win at Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Bryce Cotton finished with a game-high 32 points, while Mitch McCarron was Adelaide’s best, managing 20 points and 13 rebounds.