Rnd7 DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats vs Phoenix NBL26

The Wildcats face a South East Melbourne side full of confidence, having won three straight games by a combined 80 points. Their most recent outing was a dominant 109–86 performance over the Brisbane Bullets, built on rebounding and relentless defensive pressure.

Perth’s fightback in Hobart provided a clear blueprint for Sunday’s matchup. Composure under pressure and control of tempo will again be vital against a Phoenix team that forces more live ball turnovers than any other in the league.

Head Coach John Rillie said maintaining discipline with the ball will be crucial against the Phoenix’s full court pressure.

“They force the most live ball turnovers in the league,” Rillie said. “Their ability to score in transition, both at the rim and from three, is very potent. Looking after the ball at a high level will be key.”

Rillie expects the contest to test the Wildcats’ defensive structure against the league’s highest scoring offence.

“You could argue they’re the best in the league when it comes to scoring off disruption,” he said. “If we don’t handle that pressure, their offence goes to another level. But if we take care of the ball and defend in the half court, that gives us the best chance to control the game.”

New import David Duke Jr. will make his long awaited debut after his first full week with the team.

“He’ll certainly play Sunday,” Rillie confirmed. “Our job is to set him up for success. We’ll keep things simple. Most of what we do conceptually will already be familiar to him from where he’s played.”

Dylan Windler is also anticipated to return, providing a major boost to the lineup.

“Dylan fully practised today and unless he sleeps on it funny, I fully anticipate him being back for Sunday’s game,” Rillie said. “He’s one of the best rebounders in the league. When you take someone out with that ability, along with everything else he does for us, it’s tough to replace on a consistent level.”

Perth’s defence has been among the most reliable in the competition, and Rillie believes that structure, combined with the team’s growing focus on the road, will again be important.

“We’ve developed a better lock in mentality,” he said. “Our group is still young in its growth stage, but we’ve been responding well to challenges.”

As with each matchup this season, Jo Lual Acuil Jr. will be central inside, both as a scoring option and a presence against South East Melbourne’s transition game.

The Red Army has also rallied behind David Okwera, whose mobility and defensive impact have given Perth another way to match the Phoenix’s pace and physicality.

Elijah Pepper’s confident perimeter shooting continues to stretch defences that rely on trapping and pressure.

South East Melbourne dominated the glass with 26 offensive rebounds and forced 17 turnovers in their win over Brisbane, led by Nathan Sobey, with strong contributions from Jordan Hunter, Angus Glover, Akech Aliir and Hunter Maldonado.

Sunday’s matchup promises a battle between two teams thriving on energy and momentum at this stage of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

The Wildcats will look to contain Sobey’s perimeter game, control the boards and sustain the defensive grit that has defined their recent road form.

Hungry Jack’s NBL26 – Wildcats vs Phoenix
Sunday, 2 November
Tip Off: 4:30 PM AWST
Venue: John Cain Arena
Watch: Live on ESPN