How to watch & talking points: Perth v Illawarra (Round 3, NBL26)

Thursday, October 2, 2025

perth wildcats

illawarra hawks

Watch the must-see matchup between NBL21 champion Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee.

Perth Wildcats v Illawarra Hawks
Thursday, October 2, 9.30pm AEST
RAC Arena

How to watch‍

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Talking points

Mason Jones watch
‍It’s been a tough two games for Perth’s import guard to kickstart hisNBL career, finishing with just two points in the win over New Zealand and struggling to make a field goal. Jones did manage to score 16 points in their season opening win against Tasmania, but the spotlight was on him against the Breakers when he was moved to the bench in place of Jaron Rillie.

There’s no doubting the talent that Jones has and just how good he can be in the NBL, yet history will tell us that some imports take a big longer to adapt to the playing style than others. Expect a bounce back game from Jones against a thin Hawks backcourt.

JLA and JaVale
‍This might just become one of the most fun matchups to watch all season, with two heavyweights in their position set to lock horns. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr has been fantastic since arriving at Perth and the debut from JaVale McGee quickly put the league on notice. Both superstars have a very different style of play, but both can be equally as damaging on both ends.

What they're saying

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr on JaVale McGee:
“[My focus is on] the game plan and if McGee has 60 points and we win, I’m happy, because winning is the most important thing.”

Todd Blanchfield on the Hawks' injury woes:
‍"The majority of players [from last season’s championship squad] have returned, but no matter how many pieces you change, it's always going to have its teething problems early.

"I think we're yet to play with our full team. We've still got key pieces out.

"We relied on that next-man-up mentality last year. One of our biggest assets last year was our depth, and I think it's right there again this year.”

Depth charts

Perth
‍Potential depth chart:
PG: Jones (IP) / Pepper / Russo-Nance
SG: Henshall / Dech / Rillie (DP)
SF: Windler (IP) / Mayen / Huefner (DP)
PF: Doolittle (IP) / Kouakou-Heugue (NS) / Wagstaff / Gerovich (DP)
C: Lual-Acuil Jr. / Okwera‍

Illawarra
‍Projected depth chart:
PG: McLaughlin (IP) / Bayles /McDowell-White (DP)
SG: Harvey (IP) / Ball (DP)
SF: Swaka Lo Buluk / Blanchfield / Grida / Narkle (DP)
PF: Bolden / Peatling
C: McGee (IP) / H.Froling (NRP) / Yates (DP