DrinkWise Preview: Round 16 – Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings  

When: 6:30pm WST Friday 20 January

Where: RAC Arena  

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Context

Perth Wildcats come into this game following an impressive 112-97-point victory over the Adelaide 36ers on Saturday at RAC Arena. This game will test the home side, with Sydney Kings being the team to beat, and current sitting on top of the NBL ladder. The Wildcats will look to learn from their last meeting with fast-paced Kings and come out firing in front of their home crowd. The club will host many former Wildcats greats at the game for Heritage Round, including Ricky Grace, Mike Ellis, ANdrew Vlahov and Trevor Torrance.

Four-time Wildcats champion Shawn Redhage will have his #42 jersey retired to the rafters in a post-game ceremony.

Pre-game words

Wildcats coach John Rillie shares his thoughts ahead of the clash with Sydney.

“What I hope we got out of the first game against the Kings was that we understand how fast the play,” he said.

“They do a phenomenal job of creating pace for themselves on offence so if we don’t have an urgency to get back in defence, we certainly didn’t learn our lesson and it’s going to be a long night.

Roster Availability

Mitch Norton (hip) has been ruled out for the game against Sydney.

Michalel Harris comes into the 11-man lineup. 

Opponents to watch out for

Xavier Cooks is the opponent to stop. He’s incredibly talented on both ends of the floor and can easily be a game-changer.

Last time they met

The Perth Wildcats last met Sydney Kings in Round 14, falling 87-108 at Qudos Bank Arena. Bryce Cotton and Corey Webster finished with 22 points each, while Xavier Cooks was Sydney’s best, managing 24 points and 11 rebounds.