NBL26 Playoffs DrinkWise Game 1 Preview: Wildcats vs Kings

The Perth Wildcats defeated Melbourne United in the Play-In to set up a Finals Series showdown with the Sydney Kings as their NBL26 championship campaign continues.

It marks another chapter in one of the NBL’s most significant rivalries, with two of the competition’s biggest clubs preparing to face off once again on the postseason stage.

Both teams arrive in strong form. The Wildcats surged into the Finals after winning 10 of their final 12 regular season games, while the Kings stormed home with 11 consecutive victories to close the campaign.

Despite Perth matching Sydney for long stretches throughout their regular season meetings, the Kings held the edge across the three games.

The first clash came in October at Qudos Bank Arena. After a slow start, the Wildcats found rhythm late in the opening quarter and briefly seized momentum behind strong contributions from Dylan Windler, Ben Henshall and Kristian Doolittle. The contest remained tight deep into the second half before Sydney capitalised on Perth’s shortened rotation and late turnovers to secure a 94–72 victory.

When the teams met again in December at RAC Arena, the Wildcats stayed within reach through the opening half in front of the Red Army. However, Kendrick Davis caught fire after the break, leading a decisive third-quarter run as the Kings pulled away for a 108–79 result.

The most recent matchup in February followed a similar pattern. Perth matched Sydney early and even held a narrow lead at quarter-time before the Kings found another gear in the second half. Davis again proved influential with a 30-point performance as Sydney secured a 102–84 win at Qudos Bank Arena.

While the regular season results went Sydney’s way, the Wildcats know Finals basketball presents a different challenge.

“Yeah look, at this time of year you’ve just got to find a way to win so you can keep playing. Myself and the coaching staff will get together and try to come up with a better game plan to give us a chance,” head coach John Rillie said.

Rillie believes the Wildcats are at their best when the group is connected at both ends of the floor.

“What I like about this group is when everyone is together, playing for each other and playing to each other’s strengths, good results happen,” he said.

Defence is expected to play a major role as the intensity rises in Finals basketball.

“When you get to this time of year it becomes a little personal and a little bit about self pride,” Rillie said.

“When you’ve got five guys out there coordinating well defensively, the results show on the scoreboard.”

Wildcats centre Jo Lual-Acuil Jr said the playing group is embracing the opportunity ahead.

“I will say that our group is very excited about playing Sydney, and we’ll see how the series goes,” Lual-Acuil Jr said.

The Wildcats will head to Sydney looking to flip the script on the regular season and make an early statement before returning home to The Jungle for Game 2 on Saturday, 14 March.

THE HUNGRY JACK'S NBL26 PLAYOFFS
Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings
Wednesday, 11 March
4:30pm AWST
Qudos Bank Arena 

The Red Army can catch Game 1 at the official Wildcats Watch Party at The Sporting Globe Floreat, with the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Playoff Finals Series broadcast live on ESPN via Disney+.

NBL26 FINALS. BUILT TO BE HERE.