Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers NBL Round 17 Game Preview

Jan 17

3 min read

Tip-off is at 9:30 pm AEDT on Friday 17th January at RAC Arena.

Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers Expert Analysis

The Perth Wildcats host the Adelaide 36ers at RAC Arena in what promises to be a high-scoring clash on Friday night.

Perth comes into this game in red-hot form, having won six of their last seven games, including a dominant 112-85 win over Brisbane. The Wildcats are the league’s top offensive team over the last 10 games, averaging an impressive 111.1 points per contest. Bryce Cotton has been a key catalyst, putting up MVP-level numbers, including a staggering 37.2 points per game since his 59-point explosion against the Breakers earlier in the season.

For the 36ers, defensive struggles continue to be their Achilles' heel. They rank last in the NBL in opponent scoring, allowing 96.7 points per game on the season and a troubling 101.3 points over their last 10 games. Adelaide’s road performances have been particularly concerning, as they’ve given up 100+ points in all but one away game this season, coupled with a league-worst -16.8-point average losing margin on the road.

With RAC Arena proving to be a fortress for the Wildcats—they’ve gone 7-3 at home while averaging 108 points in their last six games there—Adelaide faces a daunting task. The 36ers do have firepower in Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell, but their lack of bench production and defensive lapses make them heavy underdogs against a Perth team firing on all cylinders.

Key Matchups

Bryce Cotton vs. Adelaide’s Perimeter Defence

Cotton has been unstoppable against Adelaide this season, scoring 21 and 49 points in their two prior meetings. The 36ers will need a near-flawless defensive effort to contain him, especially given his recent form.

Keanu Pinder vs. Montrezl Harrell

Pinder provides a spark off the bench for Perth, while Harrell has been a key inside presence for Adelaide. The battle in the paint could influence second-chance opportunities and rebounds.

Adelaide’s Bench vs. Perth’s Depth

Adelaide averages a league-low 18.1 bench points per game, putting significant pressure on their starters to carry the load. Perth’s depth, including Elijah Pepper and Pinder, gives them a clear advantage.

Key Stats

Perth’s Scoring Surge: The Wildcats are averaging 111.1 points over their last 10 games, the highest in the league.
Adelaide’s Defensive Woes: The 36ers allow a league-high 96.7 points per game, which balloons to 101.3 over their last 10 games.
Bryce Cotton’s Dominance: Cotton is averaging 37.2 points per game in December/January and has torched Adelaide in previous matchups this season.
Adelaide on the Road: The 36ers are 2-7 away from home, with an average losing margin of -16.8 points.

Why Perth Will Win

Perth’s offensive firepower, led by Bryce Cotton, is unmatched at the moment. They’re averaging 108 points in their last six home games and have the added advantage of depth from their bench. Adelaide’s defensive struggles, especially on the road, play directly into Perth’s strengths.

Why Adelaide Will Win

Adelaide’s only chance lies in replicating their gritty performance against Illawarra, where they leaned on their stars Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell to deliver. If they can find a way to slow down Cotton and improve their bench contributions, they might keep the game competitive.

Conclusion

This game looks like a one-sided affair with Perth expected to dominate from start to finish. The Wildcats are in peak form offensively and have all the tools to exploit Adelaide’s defensive weaknesses. Expect Bryce Cotton to continue his scoring tear, with Perth cruising to a comfortable win.