Perth Wildcats Face Adelaide 36ers in Crucial NBL Showdown

PERTH, Australia — The Perth Wildcats will host the Adelaide 36ers in a high-stakes NBL clash at RAC Arena on Friday night, marking their first home game in six weeks. The Wildcats, currently third in the league, are riding a wave of momentum after a 6-1 record during their recent seven-game road stint.

Perth’s success has been fueled by their sharpshooting from beyond the arc, where they rank second in the league with a 38% three-point shooting rate. Dylan Windler, who sank six triples in their last meeting with Adelaide, remains a key threat. Meanwhile, Adelaide’s defense will need to be at its best to contain the Wildcats’ perimeter attack.

Bryce Cotton, the three-time NBL MVP, continues to dominate for Perth, averaging 28 points per game. His duel with Adelaide’s Kendric Davis, the league’s second-leading scorer at 25 points per game, will be a focal point. Davis also leads the NBL in assists with 7.65 per game, making him a dual threat for the 36ers.

Adelaide, sitting seventh with a 10-12 record, is fighting to stay in playoff contention. The 36ers are coming off a strong performance against Illawarra, where Davis and Montrezl Harrell combined for 51 points and 17 rebounds. The return of Sunday Dech, a former Wildcats champion, adds defensive depth to Adelaide’s lineup as he prepares to guard Cotton.

Wildcats coach John Rillie emphasized the importance of maintaining focus. “We went 6-1 on the road, but we can’t relax now,” Rillie said. “Adelaide is a dangerous team, and we need to bring the same energy we had on the road.”

Kristian Doolittle, who recently returned from a groin injury, will play a crucial role for Perth. His defensive versatility and offensive contributions (11.9 points per game) make him a key asset against Adelaide’s dynamic lineup.

The Wildcats have won both previous matchups this season, including a dominant 116-92 victory on December 28. However, Adelaide’s recent form and the return of key players suggest a tightly contested game. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. WST, with the game broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel.