Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks: NBL23 Saturday Preview

Game Details

Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks

5:00pm WST Saturday 8 October @ RAC Arena

Watch LIVE on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Tickets

Context

The Perth Wildcats will be looking to back up their successful start to the season when they take on the Illawarra Hawks in The Jungle on Saturday night. Hawks come into this game 1-1 for the season so far, falling to the Kings in Round 1, then defeating SEM Phoenix on Thursday night. 

Pre-game words

John Rillie on the match-up with Illawarra Hawks.

“They ‘re a dangerous team in transition, they have many guys that are capable of making four or five three-pointers in a game,” he said.

“They’re long and athletic so controlling them on the glass, but if we do a good job with that, taking away their three-point shooting, rebounding, we should be able to get out in transition and score some points.”

Roster Availability

No changes

Opponents to watch out for

Tyler Harvey. Harvey is a certified sharp-shooter and has had an impressive start to the NBL23 season. He’s finished with 22 points and 18 points respectively in Illawarra’s last two games and he will be looking to keep his fine form rolling.

Last time they met

Perth Wildcats were defeated 77-82 by Illawarra Hawks at RAC Arena in the last round of last season. Bryce Cotton managed 25 points, while Majok Majok finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Tyler Harvey was Illawarra’s best, recording 22 point and five rebounds, with Duop Reath recording 19 points and 7 rebounds.