Rnd19 DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats vs Phoenix NBL26

The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena on Wednesday night for a Round 19 clash with South East Melbourne Phoenix, with ladder positioning and Ignite Cup implications firmly in focus.

Perth will be looking to respond after a heartbreaking one-point loss to Melbourne United last week. That result snapped a strong start to 2026 for the Wildcats, who had opened the calendar year on a five-game winning streak and built significant momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

The Phoenix are back in Perth shortly after HoopsFest and looking to secure a top-two finish on the NBL ladder. South East Melbourne comes off back-to-back home wins at State Basketball Centre over the New Zealand Breakers and the Cairns Taipans.

Wednesday night’s contest also carries major Ignite Cup significance. Both sides remain in contention for a place in the Ignite Cup Final on the Gold Coast, where the qualifier will face the Breakers on February 22. Phoenix currently sit seventh on the Ignite Cup ladder with 12.5 points, while the Wildcats are fifth on 13 points.

The race remains tight, with the Adelaide 36ers also still in the mix. Adelaide sit third on 15 points and face Brisbane earlier on Wednesday night, adding further intrigue to the final Ignite Cup games on Wednesday.

The Phoenix continue to present a balanced offensive threat, with scoring able to come from multiple positions on any given night. In their recent win over Cairns, Sixth Man of the Year contender Angus Glover showcased that depth, knocking down five of the Phoenix’s 21 three-pointers on his way to a game-high 22 points.

Wildcats forward Kristian Doolittle said Perth knows exactly what to expect from the Phoenix, having faced them multiple times already this season.

“They’re a team we’re comfortable with and familiar with,” Doolittle said. “They like to get up and down and shoot a lot of threes.

“They’re physical on the defensive end as well. We played them not too long ago, so the message from that game carries over into this one. It’s about handling the pressure and making sure we’re taking high-quality shots.”

The two teams last met in Round 15, when the Wildcats handed the Phoenix their only home loss of the season at State Basketball Centre, securing a 10-point win.

Wednesday night’s game also marks the Wildcats’ Mental Health Game, presented by Rio Tinto in support of Lifeline WA, using the platform of a home game to help start important conversations around mental health.

Fans are encouraged to wear a touch of blue, with players given the option to wear blue socks during the game. Limited-edition Wildcats x Rio Tinto x Lifeline blue socks will be available for purchase on the night, with all proceeds donated directly to Lifeline WA. 

Support will also come through the on-court action, with Rio Tinto donating $500 to Lifeline WA for every free throw the Wildcats make during the game.

“When the Wildcats approached us to be the presenting partner for the club’s first Mental Health Game, we jumped at the opportunity,” Matt Kimball, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Vice President, People, said. “It’s a great chance to support Lifeline WA and help more West Australians access the support they need.”

A Halftime Celebrity Showcase, presented by 92.9 Triple M, will also feature as part of the evening.

Kristian Doolittle said the Mental Health Game is another example of the club’s commitment to giving back to the community.

“Anything that helps the community is important,” Doolittle said. “I think our club has done a great job of finding new ways to give back, and for this round they’ve really stepped up to support some great causes.

“We’ll make sure we do our part.”

WILDCATS VS PHOENIX
Venue: RAC Arena
Date: Wednesday, 28 January
Time: 6:30pm AWST
Tickets: HERE

Please note: This game is not included in Wildcats memberships being an Ignite Cup fixture.