DrinkWise Preview: Round 18 – Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans

When: 6:30pm WST Friday 3 February

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Get your tickets!

Context

This is a crucial game for the Perth Wildcats, playing to lock up their spot in the NBL post-season. With two games remaining in the regular season, the Wildcats need to win both Friday night’s game and Sunday’s game to secure a double-chance at playoff action. They come into this game following a 94-102 loss to Tasmania JackJumpers on Sunday and will be looking bounce back in a big way at this critical point in the season. Cairns have already locked in their position in the top-two, but come into this game on the back of a 96-99 point loss to Adelaide 36ers on Monday.

Pre-game words

Head coach John Rillie shares his thoughts ahead of the clash with Cairns.

“We’ve handled Friday’s lately very well,” he said.

“We’ve had a good week, I feel like we’re going in with a good confident mindset.

“We’ve got a lot to play for so we shouldn’t be worried about our opposition, we do our scouting report, and we talk about the opposition but it’s more about our aptitude to the game and our application.”

Roster Availability

Tai Webster (hamstring) will be a game-time decision for the Cairns matchup.

Opponents to watch out for

DJ Hogg will be one to watch, he’s powerful on offense and handy on the boards. He comes into this game on the back of a 26-point, 8-rebound game against Adelaide 36ers on Monday night.

Last time they met

The Perth Wildcats last met Cairns Taipans, Wildcats came away with a 105-83 win at Cairns Convention Centre. Bryce Cotton top-scored for Perth with 24 points, while DJ Hogg was Cairns’ best, finishing with 24 points.