DrinkWise game preview - Perth Wildcats v New Zealand Breakers

The 11-7 Wildcats are one win ahead of the third-placed Tasmanian and fourth-ranked Sydney with a game in hand.

In the longest road trip in the competition, the team arrives in Auckland via Sydney just after midnight on Sunday local time before hitting the court ahead of a 4pm tip-off (11am Perth time).

Head coach John Rillie said the Wildcats would try to stay on WA time for the 30-hour trip before flying back to Perth on Monday.

“That’s when we are practicing usually and we’re up and about over here,” Rillie said.

“Because it is a quick trip, from a logistic standpoint we are just trying to stay on WA time, go in there, get the win and get out of there.”

It will be the last of a four-game road trip which started back on December 23 with an overtime loss to Melbourne United at John Cain Arena before back-to-back wins over Cairns and Adelaide respectively.

The Wildcats will have to do it without rising star Alex Sarr, who’s been ruled out with a hip injury.

Veteran guard Corey Webster is out once again as he battles ankle soreness.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs New Zealand Breakers

When: 11am WST Sunday 7 January

Where: Spark Arena, Auckland

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

New Zealand have turned their season around in a big way thanks to the return stars Zylan Cheatham and Will McDowell-White.

The Breakers are now sitting fifth on the NBL ladder with an 8-9 record after winning their last four games.

Pocket rocket Parker Jackson-Cartwright has been a real find, averaging 20 points and a competition-high 6.1 assists per game.

Last time they met

The Wildcats defeated the Breakers at RAC Arena in round seven in the midst of their six-game winning run.

Bryce Cotton starred in the 94-76 result, dropping a game-high 37 points to continue his hot form.

Big man Keanu Pinder also stood tall with 21 points and six rebounds, while new import Anthony Lamb kept the Breakers in it with 25 including six three-pointers.