Perth Wildcats Face Cairns Taipans in Crucial NBL Clash

The Perth Wildcats are preparing for a challenging road game against the Cairns Taipans as they navigate a turbulent injury landscape. While the team has welcomed the return of elite rebounder Dylan Windler and speedy guard Tai Webster, they will be missing the contributions of big man Keanu Pinder, who is sidelined due to concussion protocols. Pinder’s absence follows a head injury sustained during the overtime loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers last Sunday.

Wildcats’ coach, John Rillie, acknowledged the mixed blessings of receiving Windler and Webster back on the court while losing Pinder. “It’s very good to have both of those guys back, but in saying that, we lose Keanu to concussion protocols,” Rillie stated. With both Windler and Webster participating in training at Cairns, the team aims to capitalize on their return.

Rillie expressed satisfaction with the Wildcats’ performance against the JackJumpers despite the defeat, particularly highlighting the efforts of young players like Elijah Pepper, Ben Henshall, and “Next Star” Izan Almansa. “What I take out of it is the way that we responded from our lacklustre effort on Friday night,” Rillie remarked. The coach emphasized the importance of continued growth and adaptability within the team as players navigate various ins and outs.

Replacing Pinder’s rebounding prowess, evidenced by his 14-rebound double-double against Tasmania, will require a concerted team effort. Rillie pointed to the contributions of Dylan Windler, Jesse Wagstaff, David Okwera, and guards in compensating for Pinder’s absence. “It needs to be a collective because what Keanu brings to our team, not one person is just going to replace that,” he explained.

The Cairns Taipans have also experienced injury setbacks, with guard Taran Armstrong and Tanner Groves both unavailable due to ankle and calf injuries, respectively. Despite these challenges, the Taipans have started the NBL25 season strongly, securing victories in three of their first four games, including wins over last season’s grand finalists, Tasmania JackJumpers and Melbourne United. New import Rob Edwards has been a standout performer, averaging 21.75 points per game.

The upcoming match will further the rivalry between these two teams. In their last regular-season encounter in February, Perth defeated Cairns 117-88, driven by standout performances from Bryce Cotton, Kristian Doolittle, and Alex Sarr, each contributing double-doubles.

The match is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, at 4:30 pm WST at the Cairns Convention Centre. Fans can catch the live action on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel.