R8 Game Preview: Phoenix v Wildcats

Opponent: Perth Wildcats

When: Wednesday March 3 - 7:30pm AEDT

Where: State Basketball Centre

Tickets: CLICK HERE

Broadcast: ESPN, SBS On Demand, Twitch, NBL TV

Live Updates: @SEMelbPhoenix on Twitter

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 6-5

Phoenix NBL Cup Record: 2-1

These two teams must be getting sick of guarding one another because for the fifth time in this crazy NBL21 season, the Phoenix and the Wildcats will face off in a heavyweight clash.

South East Melbourne enter the game hot after knocking off the Hawks while Perth boast arguably the most in-form squad in the competition, going 3-0 in the NBL Cup thus far.

Both sides sit in the top-four on both the NBL ladder and the NBL Cup standings.

The two sides split their four head-to-heads this year and will look to claim season bragging rights in the fifth and final matchup on Wednesday night at the State Basketball Centre.

One major difference will be the absence of Keifer Sykes for the Phoenix. Sykes and Cotton's tussles have been a highlight of the NBL21 season for fans of any team, but their next opportunity to duel will only be if both sides play finals.

(Cam Gliddon and Mitch Creek have been scoring the ball at will in recent games)

SQUAD

Keifer Sykes (ankle), Dane Pineau (back) and Adam Gibson (calf) remain out.

Ryan Broekhoff (hotel quarantine) will also miss.

Development players Izayah Le'afa and Tristan Forsyth will be on the official team sheet.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Kyle Adnam is expected to again start in place of the injured Keifer Sykes at point guard.

In his first Phoenix start on Sunday, Adnam recorded a franchise record 13 assists and made the most of his increased opportunity.

Against a tough Perth backcourt in Mitch Norton and Bryce Cotton, ‘Wild Kyle’ will have to be at his best once again for the Phoenix.

OPPOSITION REPORT

Perth sit second on the NBL ladder (5-3 record) and second in the NBL Cup (3-0).

Big man John Mooney leads the league in rebounds (12 per game) and has simply been a dominant force all season for the ‘Cats. To the surprise of nobody, reigning MVP Bryce Cotton leads the league in points (24.4 per game).

Todd Blanchfield has lifted his scoring output in recent weeks and experienced duo Jesse Wagstaff and Mitch Norton are consistent performers on both ends.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 2 Wildcats 5

NBL21:

Perth def Phoenix 88-76

Phoenix def Perth 90-89

Perth def Phoenix 106-75

Phoenix def Perth 96-71

NBL20:

Perth def Phoenix 110-79

Perth def Phoenix 108-98

Perth def Phoenix 97-71

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (02/03/2021)