Rnd12 DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats vs Kings NBL26

The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena on Friday determined to respond as they prepare for a crucial meeting with the Sydney Kings.

After pushing two of the league’s top sides for the majority of last week’s double, Head Coach John Rillie believes the group is close to delivering a complete performance.

Rillie identified communication and assertiveness, particularly at the defensive end, as the immediate priority.

“Communication is always key, especially at the defensive end, and we we're not at the level we needed to be. We just need to keep highlighting that and stay assertive and aggressive in everything we do,” 

The players and coaching staff remain buoyed by the overall growth the team has shown.

“I reflect on the growth we have had over the last month, and for seventy six minutes last week we showed we can be in the upper echelon. Now it is about doing that consistently for four quarters.” Rillie said.

The Kings arrive in Perth at 7 wins and 7 losses after a difficult stretch that has tested their rhythm. Before the FIBA break, Sydney were among the league’s form teams, riding a four-game winning streak that included a statement victory over Melbourne United. 

Since returning, they have dropped consecutive games and now face one of the toughest assignments in the NBL: three games in five days, in three different states, all against top four teams.

Matthew Dellavedova is considered a genuine possibility to return, which would ease the heavy load currently carried by Kendric Davis.

The previous meeting in October offered a clear snapshot of the matchup, with Perth matching Sydney’s intensity for sustained periods before the Kings imposed themselves late to secure a 94-72 win at Qudos Bank Arena. 

For the Wildcats, this game presents an opportunity to showcase how far they've come since round 5 clash in Sydney. 

The Red Army has seen Perth deliver some of their strongest basketball of the season in recent weeks, and with their defensive communication tightening and their pace returning to focus, the Wildcats are motivated to deliver a complete performance in front of the Red Army.

Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings
Tip off: 6:30pm AWST
Date: Friday 12 December
Venue: RAC Arena, Perth