Star import sidelined for must-win clash

NBL.com.au with AAP.

Perth Wildcats star Dylan Windler has been ruled out of the Perth Wildcats' do-or-die clash against Sydney on Saturday night.

Windler has been carrying a plantar fascia injury in his left foot for a large portion of the NBL season, and he crumpled to the floor in pain during the dying moments of Perth's heartbreaking 105-104 loss to the Kings on Wednesday night.

The 29-year-old immediately ripped off his shoe to assess the damage before being helped down to the change rooms.

Windler has averaged 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season.

On Friday, Perth coach John Rillie spoke of Windler's importance to the team.

"People recognise when he's not out there on the floor for us," Rillie said.

"And from both ends - with his three-point range, his ability to live in the paint, make some good decisions, but then also defensively in his rebounding.

"He makes a lot of things tick for us. So if he doesn't play, it's just opportunity for other guys to step up."

The Wildcats were trailing by one point with 11.9 seconds remaining on Wednesday night, but their frantic attempt to win the game fell short.

Kristian Doolittle missed a tough shot that would have put Perth ahead, Joe Lual-Acuil Jr. could not convert after grabbing the offensive rebound, and David Duke Jr.'s tip-in attempt was off the mark.

Rillie has been criticised for not calling a time-out before that final play, but it is a tactic he has used all season and one he is standing by.

"I sleep easy," Rillie said.

The Kings are in red-hot form, with MVP runner-up Kendric Davis scoring 35 points in Game 1.

But Rillie remains confident his group can respond on their home floor.

"We've done a tremendous job with our backs against the wall of being able to fight for another day, so I don't expect anything different than that tomorrow," he said.

Perth hosts Sydney on Saturday night at RAC Arena, live on ESPN from 8pm AEDT.