Rnd5 DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats v Bullets NBL26

The Perth Wildcats return home to RAC Arena on Wednesday, 15 October, to face the Brisbane Bullets in their first Ignite Cup Game, presented by NRW and proudly supporting Telethon.

The Wildcats enter the matchup on a three-game winning streak after a gritty 80–77 road win over the Cairns Taipans.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. led the charge with 30 points and 10 rebounds, earning Player of the Game honours, while Dylan Windler continued his outstanding start to the season with 26 points and six rebounds.

Perth’s composure and depth were again on display as they found ways to execute late in tight moments, moving to 3–1 on the season and will look to maintain momentum back on their home floor in front of the Red Army.

Head Coach John Rillie’s side has built a reputation for disciplined defence and balanced scoring, with the Lual-Acuil–Windler combination quickly emerging as one of the league’s most potent duos.

The Brisbane Bullets travel west searching for a response after a tough outing against the defending champion Illawarra Hawks, falling 116–89 at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Former Wildcat Casey Prather led from the front with 28 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Lamar Patterson added 17 points, five boards, and five assists.

Jaylen Adams contributed 13 points and four assists, but the Bullets struggled from long range, hitting just 3-of-22 three-pointers and shooting 43% overall from the field.

It’s been a road-heavy start for Brisbane, this will be their fifth away game from six to open the season.

They’ve shown competitiveness throughout NBL26, with three of their losses decided by a combined 10 points. Expect them to come into RAC Arena with energy and intent to challenge one of the competition’s form teams.

This matchup also marks the start of the Wildcats’ Ignite Cup campaign, a brand-new in-season NBL tournament designed to bring extra excitement to Wednesday night basketball.

Each team will play four additional Ignite Cup Games (two home, two away), with results counting toward both the Ignite Cup standings and the regular season ladder.

3 points for a win

1 point for each quarter won

0.5 points each for tied quarters

The top two teams at the end of the tournament will meet in a standalone Grand Final in February 2026, with $300,000 in prize money awarded to the winner. 

Beyond the action, this fixture carries special significance as the official Perth Wildcats Ignite Cup Game, presented by NRW, proudly supporting Telethon.

The night offers the Red Army a chance to rally behind one of Western Australia’s most cherished causes.

Every ticket purchased directly contributes to Telethon, helping fund vital services, medical research, and support programs for WA children and families.

Long-term partner NRW will donate $100 for every point scored by the Wildcats, turning every basket into meaningful impact. Volunteers will be collecting donations throughout RAC Arena, and after the game, fans can bid on game-worn jerseys, with proceeds going directly to Telethon.

The timing couldn’t be better, with Telethon Weekend returning to RAC Arena on October 18–19, marking more than 50 years of helping sick, vulnerable, and disadvantaged children in WA.

Tickets are on sale now and you can BRING A MATE FOR FREE

Please note: This fixture is not included in Wildcats season memberships; members will need to purchase a ticket to attend and support this worthy cause.

Wildnation! Join us at RAC Arena on Wednesday, October 15, to cheer on the Wildcats, support Telethon, and make a difference for WA kids and families. 

Tip-Off: Wednesday 15 October, 6:30 PM AWST
Venue: RAC Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN