NBL27 R8 Ignite Cup Game Preview | Wildcats vs Bullets

The Perth Wildcats head to Brisbane looking to return to the winners’ list and mark captain Jesse Wagstaff’s 550th NBL appearance with an Ignite Cup victory.

The Wildcats remain third on the ladder at 5–4. A sixth win would help consolidate their position and provide a lift as the season moves into its next stretch.

After narrowly dropping both games in Round 7, Perth has an opportunity to reset on the road against a Bullets side that has shown it can challenge anyone on its night.

Brisbane’s 5–5 record reflects an unpredictable start, with Sunday’s performance in Adelaide showing just how dangerous the Bullets can be.

Coming off a home loss to Cairns and missing several players, Brisbane took an early lead against the 36ers and held it throughout, securing a 96–89 win.

That makes Wednesday a test of Perth’s ability to establish its own rhythm and sustain it against an opponent capable of taking control quickly.

The Wildcats won all three meetings last season, including both games in Brisbane. Under new coach Will Weaver, this is a different Bullets side, with new combinations and a flexible approach at both ends.

Weaver changed his defensive looks against Adelaide and praised his players’ willingness to adapt. Perth will need to move the ball with purpose and make Brisbane work beyond its first defensive effort.

The Wildcats have the scoring options to do that.

Elijah Pepper leads Perth with 19 points per game, supported by Dylan Windler’s 17.1. Kristian Doolittle adds 15.1 points and a team-high 6.4 assists, giving the Wildcats a creator who can find teammates when the defence commits.

Controlling the glass will be equally important, with rebounding discussed at length this week.

Tyrell Harrison delivered 24 points and 10 rebounds against Adelaide before fouling out with almost six minutes remaining. His developing connection with Raul Neto gives Brisbane a strong avenue to the basket, while Nate Hinton’s influence stretches across the floor.

Hinton finished Sunday’s win with 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. Even after Harrison’s exit, the Bullets found enough contributions to protect their lead.

Perth’s response starts with a collective commitment to finishing defensive possessions. Doolittle and Windler lead the Wildcats on the boards, with support around them essential to limiting second chances.

Wagstaff highlighted that focus before the team departed on Tuesday, while stressing the importance of the result.

“To us it’s a really important game against Brisbane,” Wagstaff said.

“In the context of the season, where we’re at as a group, I think it’s a really important game.”

His 550th appearance gives the Wildcats another reason to lift.

Perth also has the chance to build on the two Ignite Cup points collected against Sydney, with every quarter counting towards the tournament standings and the overall result contributing to the regular season ladder.

“You don’t get games back at the end of the year. Every game is super important,” Wagstaff said.

The Wildcats face the Bullets at Nissan Arena on Wednesday 4 November, with tip-off at 5pm WST.