Match preview: All eyes on Bryce for Wildcats match-up

It will be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season when the Adelaide 36ers host the Perth Wildcats on Sunday.

Returning home following Thursday night’s win over the Breakers in New Zealand, the Sixers will be looking to help Bryce Cotton to victory as he comes up against his old side for the first time since his much-publicised off-season switch.

Cotton is a five-time NBL MVP and three-time NBL Championship player with the Wildcats and averaged 22.6 points in his 33 games against the Sixers, winning 20 of them. But now he is representing the 36ers in a game that will have plenty of eyeballs on it.

The Wildcats have had the wood over the 36ers in recent years, winning six straight matches between the sides.

The last time the Sixers won in the fixture was back in October 2023 in Adelaide when Isaac Humphries led the way for Adelaide with 26 points and eight rebounds. Cotton, then in Perth colours was held to just 11 points.

While those in Western Australia were disappointed with his exit, Cotton says he doesn’t feel or expect any tension.

“They’ve said what they’ve said, I’ve spoken my truths, and I feel like both parties have moved on,” Cotton said during his weekly segment on SEN SA Breakfast.

“It’s just we haven’t played each other yet so there’s a lot of suspense there.”

The mild-mannered star shooter has been in excellent form so far since making the move to Adelaide, averaging a league-high 28.11 points per game.

He is looking forward to coming up against his former side purely to see some familiar faces but is not building the game up in his own head.

“It’s just another game for me,” he explained.

“I understand everybody has to hype up the game and stuff like that but there’s no bad blood between me and my (former) teammates and the coaches, it’s just another game.

“It’ll be good to see the guys. I’m sure I’m going to crack a couple of jokes with Hayden (Timmins) the team manager so I’m looking forward to it – it’ll be good to see them.

“Obviously just like any other game you want to come out with the win.”

Sunday’s game will be the 27^th consecutive home sell-out at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The game gets underway at 2:00pm ACDT.

ADELAIDE 36ERS v PERTH WILDCATS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Sunday 9 November, 2:00pm ACDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Disney+ and on Channel 10

OVERALL
Played 159, Adelaide 69, Perth 90

At AEC
Played 12, Adelaide 4, Perth 8

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Feb 7, 2025 – Wildcats 112 def 36ers 104 at RAC Arena
Jan 17, 2025 – Wildcats 110 def 36ers 103 at RAC Arena
Dec 28, 2024 – Wildcats 116 def 36ers 92 at AEC
Dec 8, 2024 – Wildcats 115 def 36ers 105 at AEC
Dec 28, 2023 –Wildcats 100 def 36ers 82 at AEC