MATCH PREVIEW: The Phoenix head back West to take on the Wildcats

Key Details

PERTH WILDCATS (2-1) 4th vs. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (1-2) 8th
Where: RAC Arena
When: Friday, October 2 at 9:30pm AEST
Watch: ESPN

The Phoenix return to the West to take on the Perth Wildcats once again, just 13 days after facing them in their first game of the season.

Josh King’s side recorded their only win of the season so far in Round 1 against Perth and will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Melbourne United last round.

On the other side, the Wildcats have secured two big wins since they last faced the Phoenix, defeating the Adelaide 36ers and New Zealand Breakers.

John Rillie’s side will be out for revenge against the Phoenix, who produced a 35-17 final-quarter effort to take the win over the Wildcats by 21 points in Round 1.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Daniel Foster will not travel with the team to Perth due to a knock from the Tasmania game, he will be re-assessed before Sunday’s game against the Hawks. He will be replaced by DP Pat Ryan.

Wildcats

The Wildcats will be without their new point guard, Brandon Knight, who only arrived on Wednesday and big man Jo Lual-Acuil Jr who has injured his calf. They will welcome back Jaron Rillie for his first game of the season.

KEEP AN EYE ON

The team’s bounce back

After a disappointing 25-point loss to cross-town rivals Melbourne United, with the team’s highest scorer finishing with just 10 points, Josh King’s side will be looking to rectify that performance as they strive for their second win of the season on Friday night.

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HISTORY

Head-to-Head
Phoenix 12-17 Wildcats

Last time out – Rd1, NBL27
Phoenix 100-79 Wildcats

Phoenix
Krebs 25p
Daniels 24p
Mays 16p

Wildcats
Doolittle 25p
Lual-Acuil Jr 20p
Pepper 19p