Rnd21 DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats vs Bullets NBL26

The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena on Friday night to host the Brisbane Bullets, with David Duke Jr.’s return providing a significant boost as Perth continues its push to consolidate a top four position.

Duke Jr. re-enters the lineup after his injury layoff, restoring another layer of athleticism, defensive pressure, and shot creation to a Wildcats group that has built strong momentum across recent weeks. His presence adds further versatility to a Perth side focused on sharpening its structure ahead of the postseason.

Despite Brisbane’s ladder position, the Wildcats approach the contest with clear awareness. The Bullets produced a commanding performance in the teams’ earlier meeting at RAC Arena this season, a result that remains a reminder of the dangers any opponent can present when allowed to dictate terms.

Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie reinforced that message in the lead-up to Friday night’s clash, stressing the importance of maintaining focus as the season reaches its decisive phase.

“It’s why I keep harping on it and worrying about it. We genuinely approach one game at a time,” Rillie said.

“If we lose on Friday, all of our work is undone. If we don’t respect what’s in front of us, the rest doesn’t matter.

“This competition is so tight. If you’re even half a step off, you can damage your season very quickly. I think we’ve done a good job to put ourselves in a position to capitalise, but you don’t want a hiccup where you have to recalibrate and deal with the emotions that come with that.”

Brisbane will be strengthened by the return of Tyrell Harrison, whose interior presence and rebounding remain key elements of the Bullets’ structure. Perth’s defensive priorities will again centre on controlling the paint, limiting second chance opportunities, and dictating tempo.

The individual matchup between Terry Taylor and Kristian Doolittle shapes as another compelling storyline, with both players capable of influencing momentum through physicality and all-around production. Doolittle’s consistency continues to anchor Perth’s balance, while Taylor remains a central contributor for Brisbane.

With finals implications intensifying, the Wildcats’ objective remains clear: defend home court and continue building cohesion at the right time of the season.

WILDCATS VS BULLETS
Venue: RAC Arena
Date: Friday, 13 February
Time: 6:30pm AWST
Tickets: HERE

Team update: Both David Duke Jr. and Sunday Dech will return to the roster for Friday nights home game at RAC Arena vs the Brisbane Bullets.