Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Round 11 Game Preview

Dec 4, 2024

2 min read

Tip off is at 9:30 pm AEDT on Friday 6th December

Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Expert Analysis

The Perth Wildcats and Illawarra Hawks meet again in a pivotal clash at RAC Arena, with both teams aiming to solidify their standings in the NBL25 season.

The Wildcats are riding high after two electrifying wins last weekend, including a historic 59-point performance from Bryce Cotton. Their offense has been in overdrive since the FIBA break, averaging 120 points per game in their last two outings. Perth’s home form has been dominant, with six straight wins at RAC Arena, making it a fortress for visiting teams.

For the Hawks, this game is an opportunity to bounce back from an inconsistent run. While they remain the league’s top-scoring team at 97 points per game, they’ve struggled to contain high-powered offenses on the road.

Illawarra’s recent win over the Breakers showcased their ability to dominate with explosive starts and strong finishes, but their inability to handle fast-paced, shootout-style games was evident in their loss to the Phoenix.

This clash pits Perth’s newfound offensive firepower against Illawarra’s efficient scoring, setting the stage for a thrilling battle between two contrasting styles.

Key Matchups

Bryce Cotton (Wildcats) vs. Illawarra Defense: After a jaw-dropping 59-point performance, Cotton will be the focus of Illawarra’s defensive efforts.
Illawarra’s Efficient Offense vs. Perth’s Struggling Defense: The Hawks boast the league’s best field goal percentage (49%), pitting their elite scoring against Perth’s bottom-ranked defensive metrics.

Key Stats

Perth averages 93.1 PPG (3rd), while Illawarra leads the league with 97 PPG.
The Wildcats have won six straight home games; the Hawks have lost three consecutive road games.
Perth’s last three games have all surpassed 48.5 first-quarter points.
Illawarra allows 88.5 PPG (6th) but struggles against teams scoring over 90 points.

Why Perth Wins

The Wildcats thrive at RAC Arena, leveraging a fast-paced offense and strong perimeter shooting. If they maintain their recent scoring form and keep Bryce Cotton hot, they’ll force Illawarra into a tempo that doesn’t favor their defensive strengths.

Why Illawarra Wins

The Hawks’ balanced scoring and efficiency give them a chance to capitalize on Perth’s defensive lapses. If they can control the tempo and limit turnovers, their league-leading shooting percentages could edge out a win in a high-scoring contest.

Conclusion

Perth’s offensive momentum, home-court advantage, and Bryce Cotton’s brilliance make them the favorites. Illawarra, however, won’t go down without a fight, relying on their efficient scoring to keep the game competitive. Expect a high-energy battle with plenty of points on the board, but the Wildcats are poised to come out on top.