Adelaide 36ers vs Perth Wildcats: NBL25 Game Preview

Dec 27, 2024

3 min read

Tip-Off: 8:00 PM AEDT, December 28 | Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Adelaide 36ers vs Perth Wildcats Expert Analysis

The Adelaide 36ers host the Perth Wildcats in what could be one of the most entertaining games of the round.

With MVP-caliber talents Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis leading their teams, the game promises a shootout given both sides’ defensive struggles. Adelaide is conceding an average of 96.6 points per game (9th in the league), while Perth allows 97.3 points per game (last). The Wildcats, riding strong form, are looking to solidify their playoff position, while the 36ers aim to snap their slump and revive their season.

Key Matchups

Bryce Cotton vs. Kendric Davis: Bryce Cotton is having a historic season, averaging a league-best 26.7 points per game. Davis, who scored a career-high 37 against Perth earlier, could be Adelaide’s answer to Cotton’s scoring outbursts.

Montrezl Harrell vs. Perth's Frontcourt: Harrell’s physicality inside could be pivotal in limiting Perth’s rebounding edge, especially with the Wildcats missing key players Kristian Doolittle and Tai Webster.

Three-Point Shooting: Perth ranks 3rd in the league, shooting 36.9% from beyond the arc, while Adelaide struggles to defend the perimeter, allowing opponents to hit 39.5%. If the Wildcats get hot from deep, it could be tough for the 36ers to keep pace.

Key Stats

Bryce Cotton leads the league with 26.7 points per game.
The Perth Wildcats have won 6 of their last 7 games against the Adelaide 36ers.
Adelaide’s Dejan Vasiljevic returns, bringing much-needed scoring and shooting depth.
Both teams are in the bottom two for opponents’ points per game: Adelaide (96.6, 9th) and Perth (97.3, 10th).
Adelaide is averaging 90.9 points per game (6th), while Perth is 2nd in the league with 97.3 points per game.

Why Adelaide Wins

Adelaide’s offense relies heavily on Kendric Davis, who is more than capable of carrying the scoring load. His 37-point explosion against Perth earlier this season shows he can thrive against their defense. Montrezl Harrell adds physicality in the paint, and if he can dominate inside, Adelaide can control the tempo. The return of Dejan Vasiljevic adds firepower from the perimeter, giving Adelaide a more balanced attack. To win, the 36ers must capitalize on Perth’s defensive lapses and prevent Bryce Cotton from single-handedly taking over.

Why Perth Wins

Bryce Cotton has been the league’s most dominant player, and his scoring ability is unmatched. With his historical streak of consecutive 40-point games recently ending, he’ll be eager to return to his explosive ways against a defensively weak Adelaide side. Perth’s three-point shooting, led by Cotton, has been a key to their success, and Adelaide’s inability to guard the perimeter plays right into their hands. Even without key players Kristian Doolittle and Tai Webster, Perth has shown they can rally behind Cotton, with role players stepping up when needed. Their recent 4-2 run gives them momentum, and their confidence in high-scoring games positions them well to outlast the 36ers.

Conclusion

This game is set to be a high-scoring spectacle between two offensively potent teams with glaring defensive vulnerabilities. While Adelaide has the talent to challenge, their recent form and inability to defend the perimeter put them at a disadvantage. Perth, led by the unstoppable Bryce Cotton, has the momentum and scoring consistency to come out on top. Expect a thrilling, offense-heavy game where the Wildcats narrowly outpace the 36ers to secure another vital win.