NBL 2014/15 Round 3 Preview: Kings head west for date with ‘Cats
Perth Wildcats vs. Sydney Kings
Friday, 24th October – 6.30pm (local time)
Perth Arena
Odds: Perth $1.15, Sydney $5.50
Tickets: Click here
The Wildcats will host the Kings in the only round three Friday night clash, with both teams sitting at 1-1 on the season and looking to move about .500.
Perth bounced back from their humbling round one defeat to New Zealand by grinding out a win over Wollongong, and will head into their third straight home game with some confidence. DeAndre Daniels was the star and has found his feet after a slow start against the Breakers, looking more like the NBA draftee that he is.
The Kings fell at home to Townsville in an upset and will be looking to bounce back with a win against a mighty opponent in Perth, however difficult that has proven to be for a number of sides in recent times. Sydney have had a relatively good record against the ‘Cats, pushing them all the way twice when they met last year at Perth Arena and, with Josh Childress on board this time, will be hoping to emulate that form and take it one step further.
Key Player
Tom Garlepp
Matt Knight has been well below par for Perth so far this season, which has no doubt contributed to their patchy form. Facing him this week will be Garlepp, who is in fine touch early this season and has seemingly taken the next step as he moves towards recognition as being a part of the league’s elite big men. While Knight may well bounce back, and nobody will be expecting the Wildcats star to do anything other than just that, it is Garlepp who has the opportunity to give his side an advantage inside and exploit the Perth centre’s form slump. In a match that promises to be tight and one that the Kings will need plenty to go right for them to win, matchups become critical for each side Garlepp could well prove to be the difference maker for his.
What To Watch For
DeAndre Daniels and Josh Childress
These guys are two of the premier players in the league this season; one who is looking to make his way to the NBA and the other who is fresh out of it. Both have put up impressive performances so far in just two games and are likely to face off against eachother at some stage during the night, which will be worth the price of admission alone. While there will be eight other players on court, and some very good ones at that, all eyes will be fixed on these guys.
Final Word
Perth would have expected to be three from three after this game, but now face the prospect of going 1-2 with a loss against the Kings. The Wildcats have looked shaky and very much unlike the juggernaut that the NBL community has become accustomed to, and their opponents for this match have all the right pieces to make them pay if they are not on their game from the opening tip. The Kings were very disappointing in their home loss to Townsville last week and now head outside of New South Wales for the first time this season as they look to turn it around. Perth looks vulnerable on their opening fortnight’s form, but it is simply impossible to suggest they will lose their second game at home so early in the season.
Perth by 6