Rnd14 DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats vs 36ers NBL26

The Perth Wildcats head to Adelaide on Sunday looking to continue their strong road form as they begin the second leg of a demanding five-game stretch away from home.

The Wildcats are coming off a composed performance in Hobart, where they controlled the game for long stretches and closed strongly. That result reflected the growth the group has been working toward, particularly in managing momentum and executing late in games.

A win over the 36ers would be a welcome late Christmas present for the Red Army, with the Wildcats looking to replicate their Round 8 road win in Adelaide earlier this season. That first meeting of the season between the two sides produced 35 lead changes and 14 ties through three quarters before Perth saved their best for last, taking control in the final term and locking in defensively to hold the 36ers to just 11 points down the stretch.

The squad will also be hoping to benefit from a full week of preparation, having not played since their win over Tasmania, while the 36ers back up after a busy week.

When afforded extra recovery, Perth have been difficult to beat on the road. The Wildcats have won six straight away games with a rest advantage, underlining their ability to prepare, adjust and execute in hostile environments.

The last meeting between the two sides however remains a reference point. In one of the most talked about games of the Hungry Jack's NBL season, Perth led comfortably before Adelaide surged late, a result that has stayed with the group.

“We feel like that’s one that got away,” Wildcats head coach John Rillie said. “There were moments throughout the game where we didn’t capitalise, and those moments add up.”

Since then, the Wildcats have tightened their execution and leaned into continuity. They have now started the same five for nine straight games, the longest active streak in the league. 

Rillie believes the current road trip presents an opportunity rather than a challenge.

“We’re on the road for four games, so it’s a good opportunity for us to keep building, stay connected and keep improving for the full 40 minutes against Adelaide,” he said. “We’ve shown we’re a good basketball team for 30-plus minutes, but it’s those three to five-minute patches that really matter.”

With Kristian Doolittle coming off a 30-point outing against Tasmania, the Red Army will be confident he can again set the tone at both ends of the floor in Adelaide.

Perth have traditionally played some of their best basketball at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, winning nine of their last 13 games at the venue, and will look to draw on that confidence again on Sunday afternoon.

PERTH WILDCATS vs ADELAIDE 36ERS
Venue: Adelaide Entertainment Centre 
Date: Sunday, 28 December
Time: 11:30am AWST
Watch: Live on ESPN

Perth Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff (hamstring), Ben Henshall (calf), and Dylan Windler (ankle) will all travel and be active for tomorrow afternoon's game at Adelaide against the 36ers. Dontae Russo-Nance (illness) has been ruled out and will be replaced by DP Cam Huefner in the roster.