DrinkWise game preview - Round 17: Wildcats v 36ers

The third-placed Wildcats, who enjoyed a 6-1 record during their seven-game away stint, play their first game in Perth in six weeks, dating all the way back to December 6.

The Red Army will be out in force, with a near sell out crowd expected as the Wildcats kick off a four-game run at home.

Coach John Rillie said while he was pleased with how things were tracking, he urged his team not to get complacent.

“It’s coming along,” Rillie said.

“We’ll get tested again on Friday night when we return home against Adelaide. I’ve been patient with this team and with the way we are heading. But I am nervous that we may relax. That’s been addressed.”

Import Kristian Doolittle, who’s been building his minutes the past two games after a month on the sidelines with a groin injury, said the team was feeling good after a strong patch of form.

But the key was taking the same energy into the next run of home games as they did on the road.

“We went 6-1 on the road so we feel good right now, understanding we have a lot of home games coming up. We have to take that same energy we’ve been approaching the games with on the road to at home as well,” Doolittle said.

The 36ers have plenty of weapons in their arsenal, highlighted by former NBA star Montrezl Harrell.

Fellow import Kendric Davis is having an impressive debut season in the NBL.

Davis is the second-leading point-scorer in the competition with 25 per game, with Wildcats Superstar Bryce Cotton (28) the only player averaging more.

He’s also got the most assists in NBL25 with 7.65 per game.

Cotton and Davis had a stunning shootout when the two sides met early last month and will be key to success of their respective teams.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers

When: 6.30pm WST Friday 17 January

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN (via Kayo or Foxtel)

Get your tickets here

Opposition watch

Adelaide currently sit just outside of the play-in spots in seventh, with a 10-12 record.

The 36ers have been up and down in form but produced a huge upset over Illawarra at home on Monday with Davis and Harrell combining for a staggering 51 points and 17 rebounds.

Two-time Wildcats championship player Sunday Dech is a huge in for the 36ers after missing more than a month with a hamstring injury.

Dech is likely to be tasked with stopping Cotton.

Last time they met

The Wildcats have won both of their previous encounters against the 36ers in NBL25, both they are yet to meet at RAC Arena.

Dylan Windler starred last time they met on December 28 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Windler finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four blocks to lead the Wildcats to a 116-92 win.

Bryce Cotton had a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double to continue his red-hot form.