Rnd8 DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats vs 36ers NBL26

The Perth Wildcats are on the road again for a Round 8 clash with the Adelaide 36ers, a fixture shaping up as one of the most anticipated of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season.

The Wildcats will be aiming to bounce back on the road after a tight loss to South East Melbourne, remaining in the fight throughout before turnovers and second-chance opportunities proved costly in the final minutes.

Perth will look to extend their strong record over Adelaide, having won the past six encounters between the two sides.

Adelaide return home on the back of a gritty 83 to 79 win over the New Zealand Breakers in Christchurch. The Sixers overcame several momentum swings in a game their Head Coach Mike Wells described as an “ugly win” but one that showed his team’s ability to grind out results.

The clash will see the Wildcats face Bryce Cotton for the first time since his off-season move to Adelaide. Captain Jesse Wagstaff said the team has enjoyed the chance to reset at home before another away challenge and is looking forward to facing a familiar opponent.

“It’s good to be home and get some solid practices in before heading away again,” Wagstaff said. “Adelaide play really well at home, they’re talented right across the board, and it’s always a tough battle.”

On coming up against his former teammate Bryce Cotton, Wagstaff said there is mutual respect but no added emotion.

“I think it’s quite public how I feel about Bryce. He’s a phenomenal player and a phenomenal human being,” Wagstaff said. “Just because he’s on a different team doesn’t change that, but we’ve got a game to win as well. He’s competitive, we’re competitive. It should be a good game.”

Wagstaff said while Adelaide’s backcourt presents challenges, the Wildcats’ focus will be on their own execution.

“Good players are going to make good plays,” he said. “You’ve got to live with that, execute your system, and focus on what you can control.”

David Duke Jr. will make his second appearance in Wildcats colours after a strong debut that showed his defensive presence which the Wildcats will look to rely on for Sunday's matchup. 

“David’s been really great,” Wagstaff said. “He’s a high-level guy. You can tell by the way he moves and approaches everything. He’s fitted in really well.”

PERTH WILDCATS vs ADELAIDE 36ERS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Sunday 9 November, 11:30am AWST
Watch Live on ESPN