DrinkWise game preview - Round 8: Wildcats v United

The Wildcats have turned their season around from a 2-4 start to an even ledger of 5-5.

Thursday night’s home win over reigning champs Tasmania saw multiple players chipping in at various times during the see-sawing contest.

Five players reached double-digit points, led by import Kristian Doolittle’s 18-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Elijah Pepper and Tai Webster contributed 14 apiece, while big man Keanu Pinder (13 points and seven rebounds) and Nominated Replacement Player Todd Withers had a dozen including four of four from the three-point arc.

Withers will get another opportunity to impress with superstar Bryce Cotton remaining sidelined with a rib injury and not making the trip to Melbourne.

“When we win games we have multiple guys making winning plays,” Wildcats coach John Rillie said.

“They’re happy to be out there seeing success for each other. Take Dylan Windler as an example. He didn’t make a shot all night but he still had a huge impact on the game.

“This is where this team has a good opportunity to grow. We have guys that can contribute where it just chips away and at the end of the game you go they really helped you to win the game. In a way, that’s how Tassie got it done last year. Once you get into play-off basketball you need that grit about yourself. That’s what this period without Bryce is allowing us to do.”

Doolittle felt the team was growing in confidence with different players stepping up across the past few games.

“We know who Bryce is but with him being out it is highlighting that everybody else is a good player. We know everyone else can go out there and do their thing. It’s been somebody different every single game which makes us dangerous," he explained.

“Henny (Ben Henshall) had the crazy game the other day, Keanu had the 30-point game, we had five people in double figures today. It’s kind of pick your poison with how we’re doing things. We’re running our offence with fluidity.”

Melbourne United comfortably had the better of the Wildcats in their only previous match-up this season.

Like Perth, United are coming off a good win on Thursday night - against Brisbane on the road.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United

When: 5pm WST Saturday 9 November

Where: John Cain Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

Melbourne United have been one of the dominant teams in the competition so far.

Last season’s grand finalists are one of the favourite to win the title and currently sit in third spot on the ladder with a 8-4 record.

They were comprehensive beaten by ladder leaders New Zealand last weekend but bounced back from a strong win over the Bullets.

Last time they met

It was a forgettable night for the Wildcats last time they faced Melbourne United, resulting in a heavy 97-68 defeat at RAC Arena last month.

Ben Henshall and Kristian Doolittle top-scored with 12 points apiece, while Keanu Pinder (10 points and 10 rebounds) posted a double-double.