DrinkWise Preview: Round 3 - Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United

Rillie highlighted the depth of Melbourne United's roster, including NBA championship winners Matthew Dellavedova and Ian Clark, and felt it would be foolish to put too much time into Travers, who's taking on his old teammates for the first time since heading across the Nullarbor.

"We're obviously going to try and expose his weaknesses, or what we feel are weaknesses, but if we start focusing too much on him and trying to prove a point or whatever, then you really forget about the true focus," Rillie said.

"They have a plethora of really good players, so we can't just get focused on that.

"Obviously there’s history there. You can’t deny the history. But as far as how we prepare for Melbourne United, it’s no different."

Rillie confirmed guard Tai Webster would return on unrestricted minutes in his first game since sustaining a lower-leg in the season-opening win over Tasmania at RAC Arena on September 29.

“He’ll play as much as I feel fit. The injury he had was pretty obscure, so it just a matter of how quickly he could turn that around. His work rate last week and this week has been very good. He’ll be joining us in full capacity,” Rillie said.

“He’s an important piece because it gives Bryce (Cotton) a little bit of breathing room. It’s just another dynamic ball handler that can put heat on the opposition defence from 75-80 feet away. I’m sure Bryce is looking forward to him being back on the floor.”

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United

When: 6.30pm WST Friday 13 October

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

Melbourne United sit atop the NBL ladder, but have the same 2-1 win-loss record as the Wildcats.

United won their first two games of the season against South East Melbourne and Adelaide respectively before a shock home loss to Tasmania on Sunday.

Towering talent Ariel Hukporti has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, averaging a competition-high 10.3 rebounds and three blocks per game ahead of an exciting clash against fellow Next Star Alex Sarr.

Travers had also had an impact at his new club, while Dellaveova, Chris Goulding and Robert Loe are a few others Perth will be desperate to contain.

Last time they met

The Wildcats dropped their last game against Melbourne United back in April, going down 84-75 at RAC Arena.

Travers (11 points) was one of four players to reach double-digits for Perth that day, led by Bryce Cotton who hit 18.