DrinkWise game preview: Playoffs Game One - Wildcats v United

Rillie believes the recent play-in tournament victory over SEM Phoenix, as well as several of his younger players - Elijah Pepper, David Okwera (Australia) and Izan Almansa (Spain) - heading away to represent their national teams during the FIBA window, would benefit the Wildcats hugely as they attempt to beat United for the first time in NBL25.

Unlike last season, when Perth qualified in second spot and avoided the play-in stage, the team got an extra game in.

On the other hand, United haven’t played since their February 8 Throwdown victory over the Phoenix.

The winner of the blockbuster best-of-three contest faces off against either minor premiers Illawarra or SEM Phoenix in the championship series.

Rillie said the Wildcats had handled the FIBA break a lot better than last season when they fell to eventual champions Tasmania 2-1 in the playoffs.

“I like where we are at. We’ve tasted post-season play so I think there’s advantages to having already done that. We’ve handled this break better than we did last year,” Rillie said.

“I actually also think our guys getting to go away and play for their countries, they come back with renewed energy as well. We’ve had some good positive experiences throughout this time.

“It’s our purpose and intent. I think what last year taught us is how to utilise this time as a positive. Last year was 20 days and that becomes a bit of a mental grind. We got to play South East and get a post-season feel under our belt. I think we can take confidence and relax the play-off jitters.”

Rillie was happy with where the fit-and-healthy group was at as they hunt a fifth win in a row, with imports Dylan Windler, Bryce Cotton, Kristian Doolittle and speedster Tai Webster all in form after missing large chunks of the season through injury.

United are also looking good on the injury front with ex-NBA big man Jack White cleared to return from a back issue.

“Kristian, BC and Windler all bring different attributes and they’re all great players in this league. For us to function at the highest level at both ends - we get enamoured and talk a lot about our offence, but defensively (it’s) the way we can match up with them,” Rillie said.

“Windler’s versatility defensively, Doolittle just always wants to take the challenge of who is performing the best. He wants to shut those guys down. For us to have all the pieces, it is exciting for us.”

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United

When: 4.30pm WST Thursday 27 February

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: Live on ESPN (via Kayo or Foxtel)

Opposition watch

Melbourne United have a 3-0 record against the Wildcats in NBL25, but each time Perth were missing key personnel.

They finished the regular season in second spot after a final-round victory over SEM Phoenix at John Cain Arena.

But United haven’t played since that game, meaning it will be a 19-day break between fixtures ahead of Thursday’s game one.

Jack White’s return will make a big difference at both ends of the floor.

White is averaging the second-most rebounds in the competition with 9.44 per game, while also contributing 13.8 points and 1.8 assists.

Veteran sharpshooter Chris Goulding is always dangerous, highlighted by his 43-point haul against the Wildcats earlier in the season.

NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova and centre Marcus Lee are a couple of other players Perth will need to stop, while Defensive Player of the Year Shea Ili is always a handful.

Last time they met

The Wildcats and Melbourne United last faced off on January 22 at RAC Arena, with the visitors prevailing to make it a 3-0 sweep of the regular-season series.

Jack White was the star for United in that 99-93 result with a massive double-double, finishing with 26 points and 16 boards.

Kristian Doolittle was the Wildcats’ best with a career-high 33 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists.