NBL27 R9 Game Preview | Wildcats v Taipans

The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena on Sunday afternoon to host the Cairns Taipans, with tip-off at 2:00pm.

Perth will look to carry the momentum from their second half against Brisbane into Sunday’s clash, with a sharper start the focus as the Wildcats chase a sixth win to stay in touch with the NBL’s top four.

The Wildcats outscored the Bullets 61–46 after halftime on Wednesday, cutting a 27-point deficit to two in the final quarter of the 109–104 result.

Head coach John Rillie believes those stretches show what the group can produce. The challenge for Sunday is bringing that execution from the opening minutes.

Cairns arrives in Perth following a 107–95 home loss to Illawarra on Thursday night. The Taipans led 62–61 at halftime and pushed their advantage to six during the third quarter, with the Hawks taking control late in the term.

The visitors’ perimeter shooting will demand Perth’s attention from tip-off. Cairns connected on eight three-pointers in the opening quarter against Illawarra, scoring 35 points for the term.

Keanu Pinder led the Taipans with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Jack McVeigh added 20 points and seven assists. Jaylon Brown contributed 14 points and five assists, giving Perth several scoring options to account for.

Containing that early scoring will be important for the Wildcats as they look to give themselves a stronger platform at both ends.

Against Brisbane, Perth found a lift through its bench, with the second unit helping drive the third-quarter surge that brought the Wildcats back into the contest.

Rillie praised their impact and the work being done at training, with those contributions providing opportunities as Perth navigates three games in a week.

The Wildcats could also receive a boost through Brandon Knight’s potential return after the guard missed Wednesday’s trip to Brisbane (hamstring soreness).

Speaking on Friday, Rillie said Knight was aiming to rejoin the main group at Saturday’s training session. His availability remained dependent on completing that work and the medical staff being comfortable with his readiness to play.

Knight’s return would set up a matchup with former Wildcats Academy young gun Luke Paul, who scored 12 points in his first professional start for Cairns on Thursday.

Perth sits fifth at 5–5, one spot above Cairns at 6–6. Sunday offers the Wildcats a chance to climb above .500 and create breathing room over the Taipans.

The Perth Wildcats host the Cairns Taipans at RAC Arena on Sunday 8 November, tip-off at 2:00pm.