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Perth Wildcats vs. Adelaide 36ers

Friday, 16th January - 6:30pm (local time)

TV: 9:30pm ONE HD (LIVE in VIC & NSW)

Perth Arena

Odds: Perth Wildcats $1.16, Adelaide 36ers $5.30

Tickets

In a replay of last season's grand final, the Adelaide 36ers will look to take another step towards the top 4 by beating the Perth Wildcats.

After a comeback win against Melbourne United last round, Adelaide will be wanting to keep that winning feeling. Jamar Wilson was outstanding in the United game, his last quarter getting his team over the line for an unlikely win.

Perth have been struck with a number of injuries in recent weeks, with Matt Knight not suiting up for sometime and Earnest Ross out for the season after hurting his achilles. Ex Sydney King and league veteran Luke Martin will come in to replace Ross

Although, Adelaide have not been blessed with an injury free season. They are in the process of finding a replacement for BJ Anthony, who also is out for the season.

Key Player

Tom Jervis

Jervis has a big role to play in the absence of usual starting centre Matt Knight and now without another centre on the roster, a lot will be left to this workhorse.

In past games when Knight has been missing, Jervis has stepped up including last round when he had 17 points and five rebounds. Jervis got his first chance in the league after a Matt Knight injury and impressed so much, he was given a full-time roster spot.

He will have his hands full with the big Adelaide front court consisting of Brock Motum, Anthony Petrie and Luke Schenscher. Jervis always works hard and will welcome the challenge and fight to come out on top.

What to watch for

Trevor Gleeson vs Joey Wright

We all remember the little scuffle that lightened up the NBL universe last season. After the Adelaide and Perth players broke out into somewhat of a brawl, Gleeson and Wright exchanged words.

With these two teams having the history, it will be a high intensity and tough battle on the court. It could be just as intense off the court, both coaches will want to win the small rivalry between themselves and will being looking for the edge over their opponent.

NBL fans can only hope that we see a some fire between two of the leagues best coaches to give us something to tweet about.

Final Word

Adelaide are coming off a fantastic win and want to move closer to that spot in the finals. Jamar Wilson is in some new found form with Brock Motum starting to show the level of play the NBL expected from him after narrowly missing a spot with the Utah Jazz.

However, Perth have been a solid team for a very long time and have many avenues to score. They are a very tough team to beat, especially in a packed and loud Perth Arena.

Even with their injury problems, Perth at home is a daunting task to any team.

Wildcats by 6