Rnd15 DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats vs Breakers NBL26

The Perth Wildcats continue their road stretch on Sunday with a high stakes clash against long time rivals the New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena.

Perth land in New Zealand after a 20-point win in Brisbane which included a dominant second half performance on New Year’s Day.

While the Breakers return home energised after beating the JackJumpers and snapping a three game losing streak. 

Their recent overtime one-point win in Hobart kept their season alive and with a pair of home games ahead, the Breakers are keen to capitalise on every opportunity.

This will be the third time the Perth Wildcats and the New Zealand Breakers have met this season, with Perth having taken control of both previous matchups.

In Round 2 in Auckland, the Wildcats weathered a strong fourth quarter surge from the Breakers, responding with defensive pressure and disciplined execution to close out an 89-78 road win. 

That ability to steady under pressure and execute late will again be vital at Spark Arena, particularly if New Zealand looks to generate momentum through early runs and home crowd energy.

The two sides met again in Round 9 at RAC Arena where the contest remained tight through three quarters before Perth lifted in the final term to pull away for an 88-75 home victory.

With both teams sitting in the congested middle of the ladder, the importance of this matchup is obvious at this stage of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season.

The Perth Wildcats sit fifth at 12-10, currently holding a play-in position but with little margin separating the teams below.

New Zealand sit seventh at 8-13, just one win outside the top six. 

Another road win for the Wildcats would further consolidate their finals position and create separation, while the Breakers are keen to stay within reach.

Containing Parker Jackson-Cartwright looms as the primary challenge for the Wildcats.

One of the league’s most influential guards, Jackson Cartwright has been widely recognised as an All NBL First Team contender this season.

He leads the Breakers with 17.4 points per game, while also averaging career high numbers in assists at 7.8 and rebounds at 4.5.

His speed and ability to create opportunities late in possessions make him the engine of New Zealand’s offence, particularly at home. 

The Wildcats have seen his impact firsthand this season and limiting his efficiency, especially in transition will be central to Perth’s defensive plan.

This will also mark the first time the Perth Wildcats face the New Zealand Breakers this season with Tai Webster lining up against his former side, a storyline the Red Army will enjoy following.

Returning to his hometown of Auckland, Webster joined the Breakers in December as an injury replacement and adds experience and familiarity to New Zealand’s backcourt.

During NBL25 he appeared in 20 of a possible 33 games for the Wildcats, averaging 7.7 points, 2.5 assists and 2.1 rebounds, and will now look to use that knowledge against his former team in front of a home crowd at Spark Arena.

With a win already on the board in 2026 the Wildcats will be looking to carry that momentum into New Zealand and keep their strong start to the new year rolling as the finals race continues to build.

PERTH WILDCATS vs NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
Venue: Spark Arena, Auckland 
Date: Sunday, 4 January
Time: 11:30am AWST
Watch: Live on ESPN