DrinkWise game preview - Wildcats v Taipans

On a positive note, the Wildcats welcome back elite rebounder Dylan Windler (Achilles) and speedy guard Tai Webster (calf) for the first time since their one-point loss to Sydney Kings on September 27.

But with those ins comes the loss of important big man Keanu Pinder, who is out with concussion after a head knock late in the overtime loss to Tasmania on Sunday.

“It’s very good to have both of those guys back but in saying that, we lose Keanu to concussion protocols,” Rillie said.

“Both (Windler and Webster) have had a good couple of days of practice up here in Cairns.”

Rillie said, despite the result, he was happy with Sunday's bounce back against the JackJumpers after a disappointing performance against last season's grand finalists Melbourne United two days earlier at RAC Arena.

He felt the efforts of some of the Wildcats' younger brigade, including emerging guards Elijah Pepper, Ben Henshall and Next Star Izan Almansa, was particularly pleasing.

"What I take out of it is the way that we responded from our lacklustre effort on Friday night, so there's a lot of good things that come out of it as we evolve and as we're juggling our roster with ins and outs," Rillie said.

"We need to keep growing, but what's fantastic is the young group of Henshall, Pepper and Almansa are getting great reps against some very good teams so early on in the season, so they're getting a good understanding of what championship-level teams look like."

Rillie said it would be a collective effort to make up for Pinder's absence, particularly on the glass highlighted by his 14-rebound double-double against Tasmania on Sunday.

"We know that Dylan will give some relief on the glass but then also Izan, Wags (Jesse Wagstaff), David Okwera and we also need our guards in there as well," Rillie said.

"It needs to be a collective because what Keanu brings to our team, not one person is just going to replace that."

The Taipans have a couple of outs due to injury with exciting guard Taran Armstrong (ankle) and Tanner Groves (calf) both sidelined.

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans

When: 4.30pm WST Thursday 10 October

Where: Cairns Convention Centre

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

The Taipans have hit the ground running in NBL25, winning three of their opening four games to sit in fourth spot on the ladder.

Among their scalps are last season’s grand finalists Tasmania and Melbourne United.

New import Rob Edwards has been a massive addition for Cairns, averaging 21.75 points per game which is equal-second in the competition.

Last time they met

The Wildcats enjoyed a come-from-behind victory over Cairns at the pre-season Blitz on the Gold Coast, but haven’t gone head-to-head in a regular-season game since February.

Perth prevailed 117-88 that day on their home court on the back of a dominant second half.

Bryce Cotton was at his brilliant best with 26 points, while Kristian Doolittle (15 points and 10 rebounds) and Alex Sarr (14 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks) posted double-doubles.