2022/23 NBL Blitz Preview

Game details

6:00pm WST Saturday 17 September vs Cairns Taipans @ DBA

6:00pm WST Monday 19 September vs SEM Phoenix @ DBA

6:00pm WST Wednesday 21 September vs Melbourne United @ DBA

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Context

The Perth Wildcats will join nine other NBL teams in Darwin on Friday for the pre-season NBL Blitz tournament.

Following two pre-season wins against Adelaide 36ers in Perth’s south west, the Wildcats will look to back up their impressive form when they face Cairns Taipans, SEM Phoenix and Melbourne United.

Exciting new import Brady Manek delivered in his pre-season debut, finishing with a team-high 15 points and 5 rebounds. 

He said he’s looking forward to testing the new-look Wildcats roster against different opponents.

“We get to see new opponents, we get to see different teams, we get to see ourselves up against them,” he said.

“Really, it’s just us playing basketball, not beating ourselves, doing the small things and just coming out and trying to win and playing hard.”

From the coach 

Head coach John Rillie said the NBL Blitz tournament will give good insight into how the team will travel during the season.

“What’s good about the Blitz is there’s several times throughout our season that we’ve got to play a game, get on a plane and then play again in a 48-hour time span,” he said.

“That’s what it’s going to be like at the Blitz, so it gives me an idea of how guys can bounce back and how we need to handle that so I’m excited about the way it’s set up.”

Roster availability

Travelling party:

Last time they met

Cairns Taipans

Perth Wildcats defeated Cairns 106-87 at RAC Arena in Round 20 last season. Bryce Cotton worked both ends of the floor, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Michael Frazier II managed 19 points and four rebounds in just 17 minutes of playing time. Keanu Pinder was Cairns' best, finishing with a game-high 24 points and eight rebounds.

SEM Phoenix

SEM Phoenix defeated Perth Wildcats 102-100 at RAC Arena in Perth's final game of the 2021/22 season, ending the 35-year finals streak along with the season. Despite the best efforts of Bryce Cotton, who finished with a game-high 28 points, the visitors caim away with the victory. Xavier Munford was SEM's best, finishing with 24 points and 10 assists. 

Melbourne United

Melbourne defeated Perth Wildcats 84-75 at RAC Arena in Round 18 last season. Bryce Cotton finished with an equal game-high 18 points, while Matt Hodgson managed a game-high 11 rebounds. Chris Goulding top-scored for Melbourne with 18 points.