The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena on Friday night for a Round 10 matchup with the Tasmania JackJumpers, a meeting that will offer a clear look at how both teams are managing contrasting phases of their seasons.
Perth’s recent winning form hasn’t come from one source, it’s been collective as a group. Kristian Doolittle has stepped into late-game control with real authority, Elijah Pepper has settled seamlessly into a starting role, and the productivity from Ben Henshall and David Okwera has continued to strengthen the Wildcats’ depth.
With back-to-back home games rare in the Hungry Jack’s NBL schedule for the Wildcats this season, this week has provided the opportunity to establish routine and continuity in their preparation.
Pepper said that has been an important advantage in the lead-in to Friday.
“It feels great being home for back-to-back games. Staying in my routine instead of travelling again makes everything easier. We’re fully focused on Tassie, that’s the only thing on our minds.”
Tasmania arrive in Perth under challenging circumstances. Their loss to Adelaide last week included the absence of Will Magnay, David Johnson and Anthony Drmic, and the JackJumpers fell behind by 28 points before mounting a 31-point final quarter to reduce the final margin to seven.
Despite the injury disruptions, their ability to compete for extended stretches has remained one of the constants of their season.
The JackJumpers have been particularly affected by unavailable personnel. Majok Deng and Josh Bannan carried the workload inside against Adelaide, and their minutes were influenced heavily by necessity rather than rotation design.
That area is likely to feature prominently on Friday, especially with Perth placing emphasis on establishing control around the rim.
Pepper noted the importance of creating an early presence inside.
“Getting Jo (Lual-Acuil) going is huge for us. He’s such a paint presence, and if Jo gets rolling, the rest of us feed off that.”
The Wildcats will also regain further size with the return of Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue, who becomes available again after missing the past fortnight.
With Jaron Rillie sidelined, the Wildcats have also required increased productivity across their guard rotation.
“It’s next man up, myself, Henshall, and Dontae – everyone stepped up last game. Sunday (Dech) will be the same. We need to be ready to make those winning plays.”
Defensively, Perth will turn to David Duke Jnr for one of the key assignments of the night. Tasmania’s Bryce Hamilton has produced 26 points in each of the previous two matchups and remains the JackJumpers’ most consistent scoring threat. Duke’s ability to slow his creation will likely shape how much pressure the Wildcats face in transition and half-court situations.
Friday night’s meeting will serve as an important gauge for both clubs as the season approaches its midpoint, as the Wildcats look to give the Red Army another strong showing on their home floor.
PERTH WILDCATS vs TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
RAC Arena – Friday, 21 November
Tip off: 6:30pm AWST
TICKETS HERE
