DrinkWise game preview - Round 9: Wildcats v Phoenix

The four-time NBL MVP hasn’t featured for the Wildcats since suffering a rib injury in the road loss to New Zealand Breakers in Auckland on Saturday 19 October.

It would be a massive boost for the Wildcats, currently sixth on the ladder with a 5-6 record ahead of this weekend’s double-header against the Phoenix followed by an away game against Brisbane on Sunday.

GET READY FOR EIGHTH ANNUAL PINK GAME

“When BC comes back, the dynamic might change a little bit, but I think it’s going to change for the better when a guy like him comes back,”Wildcats young gun Ben Henshall said.

“It’s good to see him finally back on the court and getting some contact. He doesn’t look like he’s out of shape. He looks, he looks exactly how it was before he got into hopefully business.

“It’s a massive boost. He is the best player in the league.”

Fellow guard Tai Webster is in doubt will illness and like Cotton will be a game-time decision.

Wildcats coach John Rillie believes his younger brigade, like Henshall and Elijah Pepper, have thrived with increased court time in Cotton’s absence which will only make the team stronger.

“What I’m hoping is in his absence, you saw some guys flourish with the opportunity that was given to them,” he said.

“So then to have him on the floor with what we’ve been working with over the last three weeks, I think it just adds and just the spirit and the confidence that he brings to the group with his dynamic plays, that’s why he’s MVP of the league.

“They’re not going to extend the game so I can play BC his regular 40 minutes, but there’s going to be adjustments all around.

“But the confidence and then Bryce on the sideline watching those guys perform, he can see with a with a closer and clearer eye, with how those guys can help our team as well.”

Friday night marks our eighth annual Pink Game for breast cancer which has become one of the most important days on the Wildcats' calendar.

Head to pink.wildcats.com.au to get involved and to donate.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs SEM Phoenix

When: 6.30pm WST Friday 15 November

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

The Phoenix have gone from bottom place on the NBL ladder and a 0-5 start to 5-7 record after a change of head coach.

New coach Josh King has been excellent since taking over from Mike Kelly, with his team now one of the in-form teams of the competition.

Big man Matt Hurt has been outstanding in his debut season in the NBL, averaging 18.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

Last time they met

Less than a fortnight ago, the Wildcats were beaten by the Phoenix at John Cain Arena in Melbourne after a horror opening term.

The Wildcats gave up 35 points in the opening quarter which Rillie lamented.

It came after Perth knocked off South-East Melbourne at HoopsFest at RAC Arena in the opening round.

“The way we started the game, the attention, the detail you need to have, especially when you go on the road, and after us having a great performance that Friday night at home...very disappointing,” he said.

“We gave up 35 points, so anytime you give a team that confidence out of the gate, you’re always chasing your tail the rest of the afternoon, and that’s what we did.”