Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans NBL25 Game Preview

7 days ago

2 min read

Tip-off is at 8:00 PM AEDT, January 25 at RAC Arena

Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans NBL25 Expert Analysis

The Perth Wildcats host the Cairns Taipans at RAC Arena in what promises to be an entertaining, high-scoring contest.

Perth, looking to bounce back from a narrow loss to Melbourne United, remains a top-four contender as they chase postseason success. Meanwhile, the Taipans, cemented at the bottom of the ladder, are playing without pressure and have shown flashes of brilliance, including a stunning upset over Illawarra.

With Bryce Cotton expected to rebound from a quiet game and Kristian Doolittle in career-best form, the Wildcats are clear favourites, but Cairns’ unpredictability adds an intriguing layer to the clash.

Key Matchups

Bryce Cotton (Wildcats) vs. Cairns Defence

Bryce Cotton is the league’s leading scorer, and after being held to just 14 points in Perth’s loss to Melbourne, he’ll be determined to bounce back. Cairns’ defence ranks seventh in points allowed and will need to step up to contain the Wildcats’ offensive superstar.

Kristian Doolittle (Wildcats) vs. Tanner Groves/Sam Waardenburg (Taipans)

Kristian Doolittle has been in red-hot form, scoring 60 points across his last two games. Groves and Waardenburg will need to battle hard in the paint to prevent him from dominating again.

Key Stats

Perth has won their last five matches against Cairns, including two victories this season.
Cairns allow 16.0 points from turnovers per game, the second-most in the league.
The last four games between these teams have averaged a combined total of 202.25 points, with three of those games exceeding 205 points.
Kristian Doolittle has averaged 30 points and 8.5 rebounds in his last two games.

Why Perth Wildcats Win

The Wildcats have a proven formula for success against Cairns, having won five straight matchups. Their high-powered offence, ranked second in the NBL at 98.8 points per game, is led by Bryce Cotton and Kristian Doolittle. Perth’s ability to capitalise on Cairns’ turnovers and exploit their defensive weaknesses in the paint makes them the clear favourites. With the home-court advantage of RAC Arena, where they’ve been dominant all season, Perth is well-placed to secure a win.

Why Cairns Taipans Win

Cairns are unpredictable, and that makes them dangerous. Despite their last-place position, they’ve proven they can take down top teams, as seen in their win over Illawarra. If Rob Edwards and Sam Waardenburg deliver another strong performance and the team shoots efficiently, Cairns could surprise Perth. The Taipans need to disrupt the Wildcats’ rhythm, force turnovers, and stay competitive in a high-scoring contest.

Conclusion

This matchup favours the Perth Wildcats, who are playing for playoff positioning and boast a superior roster and form. However, Cairns’ unpredictability makes them a wildcard. Expect Bryce Cotton to lead the way with a 30+ point performance, supported by Kristian Doolittle in another big game. While the Taipans will fight hard, Perth’s firepower and home advantage should see them secure a comfortable victory.