Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers: Thursday Preview

Game Details
Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers
6.30pm WST Thursday 24 March @ RAC Arena
Watch LIVE on ESPN – available via Kayo or Foxtel

Context
This is the Perth Wildcats second of nine consecutive home games at RAC Arena, after returning to WA from 14 straight away games. The Wildcats have won their last six games to sit in second position, while Tasmania had a three-game streak of their own ended by the Illawarra Hawks last round. Perth and Tasmania have met twice already this season, with the Wildcats picking up wins both in Perth and Hobart. With the Wildcats keeping pace with Melbourne United at the top of the ladder, and the JackJumpers challenging for a top-four position, this is a crucial matchup for both teams.

Pre-game words
Scott Morrison on the JackJumpers
“Much like New Zealand, they move the ball really fast. They have a lot of good actions, they’re really well coached, they have a lot of similarities. Probably the difference between Tassie and New Zealand is, with Magnay out, Tasmania are less skilled in the front court.” 

Scott Morrison on what his team needs to do
“We have to be playing at their pace, staying solid so we can try and control the possession defensively as long as possible without giving them an advantage, and then do our best to block out and get defensive rebounds, so we can run.”

Roster Availability
Perth Wildcats vice-captain Mitch Norton will miss two to three weeks of basketball after suffering a hamstring strain in Sunday’s win over the New Zealand Breakers. Ollie Hayes-Brown (knee soreness) will also be unavailable for this weekend’s games. Michael Frazier II (hamstring) and Corey Shervill (foot) remain unavailable. Mitch Clarke and Kyle Zunic come into the 11-man team.

Opponents to watch out for
Tasmania’s import duo of Josh Adams and Josh Magette do a lot of the damage, averaging 15.7 and 12.6 points per game respectively. Jack McVeigh is their top-scoring local player at 10.5 points per game, while former Wildcat Clint Steindl is averaging double figures for the first time since his 2015/16 season with Townsville.

Last time they met
Despite giving up an early lead, the Wildcats won 89-78 when they last met in Hobart in February. Bryce Cotton led the scoring with 20, while Vic Law had 19 and Luke Travers added 16.

Fun Facts and Stats
In their two games, Perth has outrebounded Tasmania by 17 and 19 boards. It’s the biggest average rebounding differential between any two NBL teams.
The Wildcats have scored 90-points in their past five games which is their best streak since the NBL switched to 40-minute games in 2009.
Perth are the highest scoring team in the NBL at 90.8ppg while Tasmania rank ninth at 77.8.
Bryce Cotton and Vic Law are averaging a combined total of 45.2 points per game – the most of any Wildcats duo since Cal Bruton and James Crawford in 1989.

History
This is the third game between the Perth Wildcats and the NBL's newest franchise. 

Ticketing Info
Any remaining tickets will be available through Ticketek.