How to watch & talking points: Perth v Adelaide

Perth Wildcats (4th) v Adelaide 36ers (2nd)
Friday, February 20, 9.30pm AEDT
RAC Arena

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Talking points

Watch the score
This game could have been even more interesting had the Phoenix defeated Melbourne United on Thursday night, but since that did not occur, now the Wildcats have to watch the scoreboard.

Perth has a percentage buffer over Melbourne United, which means they could still hold onto fourth spot if they lose to Adelaide, but only by approximately 10 points or less.

The simpler solution would be to take care of business against the 36ers and not have to worry about percentage coming into play at all.post-season, which could end up being a huge factor in their championship hopes.

One eye of the Gold Coast
Because of Thursday's results, this game essentially means nothing from an Adelaide perspective.

The 36ers have locked away a top two spot and can now put a large focus on their Ignite Cup final on Sunday against the New Zealand Breakers.

It will be fascinating to see how they get through their rotations on Friday and also perhaps try to experiment with certain plays they may use on Sunday for a chance to win the $300,000.

What they're saying

Wildcats coach John Rillie on how his team are planning to defend Bryce Cotton:
"You’ve got to be able to be prepared to live with something.

“Some teams try to take away his (Cotton's) scoring. Other teams try to make him the scorer. But you can’t get confused. You have to be authoritative in the way you believe you can defend him and his effectiveness and impact on the team.

“I think that’s the most important thing. You can’t all of a sudden waver from what you felt was a good strategy. You’ve got to believe in what you’re doing.

"We might try to junk it up and see what happens, and it's going to be tough, but the motivation is to come out and compete and play hard for your fans."

36ers forward Zylan Cheatham on this team's focus this weekend:
“I mean, as big of a deal as everyone makes it and as much as obviously earning a couple of extra dollars is definitely always a plus ... the biggest game of the year, the primary focus for us is Perth, and we'll cross that bridge with New Zealand when we get there.

“As of now, I'm not thinking about anything but Perth. I'm very locked in on the task at hand.

“I understand what's at stake and if we come out and take care of business, we can put ourselves in a solid situation, so it's really all I can think about.”

Missing in action

Perth
Ben Henshall - Ankle - Game time - Round 22
Dontae Russo-Nance - Ankle - TBC
Dylan Windler - Heel - Game time - Round 22
Jaron Rillie - Hamstring - TBC

Adelaide
Ben Griscti - Neck - TBC

>> View full injury list