DrinkWise Preview: Round 14 – Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings

When: 5:00pm WST Saturday 7 January

Where: Qudos Bank Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel 

Context

Perth Wildcats come into this game on the back of a three-point loss to NZ Breakers on Wednesday and will be looking to get themselves back on the winners list in their first content against the Kings this season. New recruit Tai Webster will make his first appearance on court on Wildcats colours and will hopefully bring some enthusiasm on both offence and defence. Top-of-the-table Sydney Kings come into this game following a big 118-102 win over SEM Phoenix. It will be a hard-fought match and the visiting Wildcats will need to be at their best.

Pre-game words

Wildcats vice-captain Mitch Norton shares his thoughts ahead of the clash with Sydney.

“Teams change from year to year,” he said.

“Obviously the two clubs have battled in a Grand Final series before so obviously there’s a bit of history there.

“But for us, it’s a new year, new team, a very fresh team bringing in Tai, so for us, it’s all about focusing on the Wildcats and what we can do to get a win in Sydney.”

Roster Availability

Luke Travers (illness) will miss tomorrow’s clash with Sydney Kings.

Michael Harris comes into the 11-man line-up.

Opponents to watch out for

Dejan Vasiljevic comes into this game on the back of a huge 42-point outing against SEM Phoenix on Wednesday night, while Xavier Cooks is always a dominating force at both ends of the court.

Last time they met

The Perth Wildcats last faced Sydney Kings back in March, Wildcats falling to the Kings 80-102 at RAC Arena. Bryce Cotton and Luke Travers both managed 20 points each, while Jalen Adams top-scores for Sydney with 20 points.