Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings: Saturday Preview

Game Details
Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings
5.00pm WST Saturday 26 March @ RAC Arena
Watch LIVE on ESPN – available via Kayo or Foxtel

Context
The Perth Wildcats go into the game after a surprise loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday night – ending their six-game streak. Meanwhile, the Sydney Kings are on an eight-game streak. It’s a potential playoff preview with the two teams positioned in second and third in the standings, with the winner to go to or remain in second spot. Perth swept the Kings last year, but Sydney have defeated the Wildcats in both their meetings in 2021/22. Sydney are the only team that Perth have not yet beaten this season. 

Pre-game words
Scott Morrison on need for improved rebounding
“It starts with effort. Rebounding is part effort, part desire, part technique. We’re capable of it and we’ve showed it many times. Whether we’re smaller or bigger, we’ve showed we’re capable of it, and that’s the frustrating part.”

Scott Morrison on short turn around between games
“Physically it would be nice to get more time between games, but that’s the way it is, but mentally I’m sure everyone will be excited to get another chance, and it’s not going to get any easier. Sydney beat us up twice at their place, they’re missing a guy or two, we’re missing a couple of guys, so it’s going to come down to toughness. I think we’ll be challenging the players to show that this isn’t a true indication of what we’re all about.”

Roster Availability 
No change to the team that took on Tasmania on Thursday.

Opponents to watch out for
Jarell Martin top-scored in their most-recent match (24 points), while Jaylen Adams (20.4ppg) and Ian Clarke (12.2ppg) have been torching opponents over their eight-game streak. Xavier Cooks has had an outstanding season but won’t be available on Saturday.

Last time they met
It was over a month ago, with the Kings winning by three points on their home deck. It was a wild game of runs, with Perth coming back from a double-digit first half lead, before being overrun again the third quarter. Bryce Cotton had a game-high 33 points.

Fun Facts and Stats
The Perth Wildcats have never lost two regular season games at RAC Arena in the same round. Perth are the highest scoring team in the NBL , averaging 90.4 points per game. Sydney is the only team that has scored 90-points against Perth twice this season. Bryce Cotton and Vic Law are the top-two individual scorers in the league. Rob Feaster is the only Wildcat to drop 40 points on the Sydney Kings. Bryce Cotton scored 39 in December 2019.

History
Sydney have won their last two games against Perth, but the Wildcats won the previous six. These teams have played 19 times at RAC Arena with Perth winning 16 and Sydney three. The two teams have met in two separate Grand Finals, with Perth winning in 2020, and Sydney winning in 2003.

Ticketing Info
Any remaining tickets will be available through Ticketek.