DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Summer Shootout in Perth as Phoenix look to take the cash

Key Details

PERTH WILDCATS (15-11) 5TH v. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (15-11) 4th
Where: RAC Arena, Perth
When: Friday, January 31 at 9:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

Just 2.75% separates the Phoenix (4^th) and the Wildcats (5^th), as both teams go into Friday night’s game both looking for a win to cement themselves in the top four position and continue to scrap for a top two spot.

The Phoenix had a franchise-record 116 points when they claimed a 36-point win over reigning champions Tasmania last Saturday.

There will be an added incentive going into Friday’s game with Phoenix the final team to have their Summer Shootout, with Cairns Taipans currently leading the race by 111 points. 

John Rillie’s side had a disappointing double-overtime loss to the Taipans on Saturday night by nine-points.

Tough from our @NBLNextStars ⭐️

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/RR8067LYy5

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) November 15, 2024

TEAMS

Phoenix

Tom Vodanovich (family reasons) will miss the game against the Wildcats, but will return to the squad for Sunday's game against Adelaide. DP Luke Fennell will not travel with the squad.

Wildcats

Perth will regain Dylan Windler (eye) and Tai Webster (hamstring) for Friday nights game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Who will stop Bryce Cotton?

NBL24 MVP Bryce Cotton is always a tough battle when you face the Wildcats. In a career-best season, where he leads the league in points with 27.5 ppg, he will be a handful for the Phoenix. Matt Kenyon was the defensive spark for Josh King’s side in Saturday’s win over the JackJumpers, minimising import Milton Doyle to 11 points and five turnovers, and will be sure to have the task on Cotton alongside the point guards.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 8-12 Wildcats

Last time out – RD9, NBL25
Phoenix 84-97 Wildcats

Phoenix
Hurt 27p
Sobey 17p
Lewis 15p

Wildcats
Cotton 33p
Windler 20p
Dolittle 12p