DrinkWise preview: Round 5 - Perth Wildcats v Brisbane Bullets

After back-to-back away losses to Sydney and Adelaide respectively, the Wildcats return to the venue they’ve won two of their three contests this season.

Rillie felt Perth had been good in patches over the past few games but needed to put it together for longer to beat the Bullets.

"Everyone tells us how good and how talented we are and I’ve got to trust what I feel with this group," Rillie said.

"It’s about getting ourselves right and feeling good about ourselves for 40 minutes.

"I believe in this group, I've always preached that. We were playing well at the beginning of the season and in the pre-season, we're just not playing well right now as a group so we work on and practice with the mentality that we will get out of it."

The Wildcats have a full roster to pick from against the Bullets with import Kristian Doolittle getting through his return from a knee injury against the 36ers on Saturday and guard Kyle Zunic (foot) also available.

Superstar Bryce Cotton put the onus on himself to be better and get the team back on track, but Rillie said it wasn’t just up to him.

"When you have a great expectation of yourself, you’re always going to reflect inwardly. Bryce certainly does that. I certainly do that," Rillie said.

"What I do know is the way we apply our craft, I think it’s successful. Is it an uncomfortable place when you’re not performing at the level? Absolutely. But the belief is there.

"We certainly have to be more mindful of helping Bryce to get out of this. He just can’t take ownership of it himself. That’s unfair on himself to do that."

Game Details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Brisbane Bullets

When: 6.30pm WST Friday 27 October

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Opposition watch

The undermanned Bullets will be without former NBA star Aron Baynes (suspension) and dangerous import Shannon Scott (hamstring) for their trip to Perth.

Brisbane have the same 2-4 record as the Wildcats, but have lost their last four games after a hot start to the season.

Guard Mitch Norton returns to RAC Arena for the first time since departing the Wildcats during the off-season.

Last time they met

The Bullets knocked off Perth 97-93 in an overtime thriller in Brisbane in late December, despite 30 points from Cotton.

Nathan Sobey hit 30 of his own for the Bullets in a game-defining performance.