DrinkWise preview: Round 3 - Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings

After dropping a rare game at RAC Arena on Friday night against Melbourne United, the Wildcats set off for Sydney on Saturday morning ahead of a crunch clash with the Kings.

Head coach John Rillie conceded missed opportunities hurt his team in Friday’s loss, something the Wildcats will need to improve to knock over Sydney and move to 3-2 for the season.

“Our offence wasn’t as efficient as we would like,” Rillie said.

“We did a great job defensively and with rebounding.

“We’ve got to find our rhythm offensively as our defence and our rebounding continue to grow. Our offence was a tough slog for us. In the first half we had nine turnovers which is a little uncharacteristic for us.

“So when you’re shooting the ball like we were and you have that many turnovers, you’re missing a couple of opportunities to score.”

New import Kristian Doolittle is in doubt after suffering a right leg injury in the opening few minutes against United.

Doolittle took no further part in the match and is set for scans on Saturday to determine the extent of the damage.

“It’s not a break but he’ll go and see medical people to see the extent of what it was. They went to hospital and he was cleared of a fracture. He’ll get an MRI and see what comes of that,” Rillie said.

“Kristian is a good match up in our league with his physicality and strength. Missing that component, Alex Sarr is a different situation to deal with when he comes on the floor, as is Hyrum Harris.

“A guy that could bring a good physical presence for us to start the game, we lose that really early. He creates a lot of opportunities offensively and defensively for us.

“We’ve talked about our depth and opportunities coming along. It’s sport. If you’re a good team and you talk about your depth, there is a next man up mentality where someone has got to come and make the most of their opportunity.”

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings

When: 1pm WST Sunday 15 October

Where: Qudos Bank Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

The Kings moved to a 3-1 season record after a 113-102 victory over Brisbane at Nissan Arena on Friday night.

MVP Jaylen Adams hit 26 points to go with three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Adams, who has a career average of 27 points per game against Perth, is one the Wildcats will need to stop if they’re to come home with a win.

Last time they met

The Wildcats and Kings last met back in March at RAC Arena, when Sydney prevailed 102-80.

Three-time MVP Bryce Cotton and Luke Travers scored 20 points apiece that day, while Adams starred for the Kings with 20 of his own.