Perth Wildcats vs NZ Breakers: Sunday Preview

Game Details
Perth Wildcats vs NZ Breakers
2.30pm WST Sunday 20 March @ RAC Arena
Watch LIVE on ESPN – available via Kayo or Foxtel

Context
This game is the Perth Wildcats first home game since 19 December. They’re coming off a record 14-consecutive game away stretch, where the won nine – including their last five. Crowd’s at RAC Arena are limited to 50 per cent capacity. 
Sunday will be the Wildcats second consecutive game against the Breakers, after they met for the first time this season on Monday. The Wildcats are second in the standings, while NZ are second last – but the Breakers are playing with a full roster for just the second time this year. New Zealand have spent their entire season playing away from home.
The Perth Wildcats will wear its Indigenous Round uniform for this game.

Pre-game words
Scott Morrison on being back home
“There's good and bad to being on the road for so long, the good is that you have lots of time to watch film and plan and prepare, so it's kind of nice from that standpoint, because a lot of these teams, it was our first time playing them, but the problem is it's all basketball, there's no chance to kind of get a braek from it, clear your mind and put things in perspective."

Bryce Cotton on expected response from the Breakers
“Probably the same intensity. The (last) game was very back and forth, they did a great job of clawing their way back into the game, I think, when we got a decent lead. Some players got hot. We usually have a good game any time we play New Zealand, so we aren’t expecting anything less. It’s always back and forth.”

Roster Availability 
Matt Hodgson returns to the team after missing the last four games with a calf injury. Kevin White will also suit-up after a two-week leave of absence for family reasons. Michael Frazier II won’t play after straining his hamstring at training (1-2 weeks). Mitch Clarke will suit up alongside fellow development players Kyle Zunic and Ollie Hayes-Brown.

Associate head coach Mike Kelly will miss the game due to NBL Health and Safety protocols.

Opponents to watch out for
Hugo Besson started on the bench but then came on to turn the tide on Monday. He finished with 19 points including six three-pointers. Yannick Wetzell was also huge with 17 points and 18 rebounds.

Last time they met
Fans shouldn’t need reminding of Monday’s overtime thriller in Hobart. Vic Law drained a career high 39, while Bryce Cotton scored 32 including 12 points in overtime, including winner.

Fun Facts and Stats
Perth are looking for six consecutive wins for the first time since April last year.
Vic Law’s 39 points on Monday was a record for a Wildcat playing against New Zealand.
Since the NBL switched to 40-minute games in 2009/10 season, Bryce Cotton and Vic law have averaged more points than any other combination.
Bryce Cotton is averaging 23.7 points per game in 2021/22. If he keeps it up, it will be his highest scoring NBL season.

History
These two teams have met in three Grand Final series, with the Wildcats claiming the most recent one in 2016.
Perth have won their last two against the Breakers, but NZ won the two prior to that. Of their last 10 games, the Wildcats have won seven. 

Ticketing Info
Any remaining tickets will be available through Ticketek.