DrinkWise game preview - Wildcats v Kings

Both sides kicked off their NBL25 campaigns with victories at HoopsFest, over South-East Melbourne and Adelaide respectively.

The Kings had a massive off-season of recruiting, signing mastermind Brian Goorjian as head coach as well as a host of star players including NBL MVP Xavier Cooks and imports Cam Oliver and Tyler Robertson.

Rillie believes the Kings deserve their status as title favourites.

“Their team, rightly so, title favourites right now,” Rillie said.

“So for us to get tested this early on in the season is just a good litmus test for us.”

Rillie said his team’s rebounding, led by imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler, was a huge positive out of their win over the Phoenix on Friday night.

Doolittle amassed a game-high 13 boards and Windler wasn’t far behind with 10 as the Wildcats out-rebounded their opponents 48-39.

It was an area the Wildcats earmarked for improvement this season.

“You saw the benefits of Windler and Doolittle when they pursue it with the aggression they did,” Rillie said.

“Both in double figures, which is probably the first time in my time here we’ve had multiple guys in double figures.

“We need some more guys to join in on that party this weekend, that’s for sure.

“Kristian, I think people are finally realising how important he is to our team, particularly at the defensive end with his versatility.”

Friday night’s clash tips off at 7.30pm.

Get your tickets here

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings

When: 7.30pm WST Friday 27 September

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

Like the Wildcats, the Kings started their season with a win at HoopsFest.

After a season overseas, MVP Xavier Cooks picked up where he left off for Sydney, posting a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Fellow League MVP Jaylen Adams was also at his brilliant best, top-scoring with 25 points to go with seven assists and six rebounds.

Last time they met

The Wildcats knocked off the Kings 104-98 in Sydney last time they met, back in January.

Superstar Bryce Cotton top-scored with 29 points on the way to winning his fourth NBL MVP, while fellow import Jordan Usher chimed in with 24 and Tai Webster 16.