Don't call it a rematch

Don’t call it a Grand Final rematch.

That’s the message form Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson ahead of Tuesday’s clash with the Sydney Kings.

The last time these two sides met was in the 2020 NBL Grand Final, where the Wildcats prevailed two games to one.

However, with multiple changes on both rosters, Gleeson said last season is history.

“It’s hugely different. There’s no Tate, there’s no Bogut. We don’t have four of our five starters so it’s totally different. The page has turned on that one, and we look forward to playing them tomorrow night,” he said.

However, he did acknowledge the long rivalry between the NBL powerhouses.

“There will always be a Sydney-Perth rivalry, it’s been there for a long time, before I even got here. There’s new characters here now and it’s chance to for them to put their own stamp on the rivalry.”

Gleeson said he’ll be looking for a performance similar to what his team delivered in Saturday’s win over United.

“If we play at that level we played on the weekend we’re going to be hard to beat no matter who we play. That’s something we can control and we’ve been locked in on that.”

The Sydney Kings are coming off a comfortable win over the Adelaide 36ers and currently hold 4-4 record.

Perth have a 3-3 record, meaning the two teams sit fourth and fifth in the overall standings.

Tip-off on Tuesday is at the early time of 2.00pm on ESPN and SBS Viceland.