Match preview: Milestones and Mixed Emotions as Sixers head west

The Adelaide 36ers have headed west to take on the Perth Wildcats in what will be a widely watched game for multiple reasons.

It will be Bryce Cotton’s 300th NBL game with his total including 258 games for the Wildcats before his move to Adelaide ahead of last season.

The Sixers’ captain won three NBL Championships and five NBL MVP awards playing in Perth and recently made his debut for the Boomers in that city.

It is perhaps fitting then that his milestone game comes in the place he still has fond memories of.

It will also be the first time 36ers Head Coach Trevor Gleeson returns to Perth in his new colours, having guided the Wildcats to five championships in eight seasons in charge there.

He admits to having mixed feelings about going back to RAC Arena, not knowing what kind of reception he’ll get from the supporter base.

But he says once the game starts, he will be focused on getting a win for the Sixers.

“I think the emotion (will be there) before the game, but once the ball gets tipped off, it's business as usual,” he said.

“We’ve got a job to do, so we're after playing a good rhythm, playing for each other, be the hardest working team out there, and hopefully the results will show.”

The last time the sides met in Perth was the final home and away game of the NBL26 season in February. With the Sixers already locked into second place on the NBL ladder, the roster was rotated, while the Wildcats needed a win to lock in fourth place.

With Cotton sitting out due to a back injury, the side fought hard in Flynn Cameron’s 100th NBL game before falling 86-74.

Cameron won’t feature this time as he deals with an ankle injury suffered in last week’s win over Melbourne United, while Isaac Humphries will also miss again.

John Jenkins is a good chance to return from a back injury but will be a game-time call.

The 36ers haven’t traditionally had a good record at RAC Arena. They have won just once in their last nine visits – a remarkable come from behind victory in December.

The Wildcats opened the season with a disappointing 21 point loss at home to South East Melbourne Phoenix, and will no doubt be looking for a better showing against the Sixers.

Thursday night’s game gets underway at 9:00pm ACDT.

It will be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo or Disney+.

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PERTH WILDCATS v ADELAIDE 36ERS ‍

RAC Arena, Thursday 24 September, 9:00pm ACST / 7:30pm AWST

Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Disney+

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OVERALL

Played 163, Adelaide 71, Perth 92

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At RAC Arena

Played 30, Adelaide 8, Perth 22

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LAST FIVE MATCHES

Feb 20, 2026 – Wildcats 86 def 36ers 74 at RAC Arena

Dec 28, 2025 – 36ers 95 def Wildcats 84 at AEC

Dec 7, 2025 – 36ers 95 def Wildcats 94 at RAC Arena

Nov 9, 2025 – Wildcats 94 def 36ers 87 at AEC

Feb 7, 2025 – Wildcats 112 def 36ers 104 at RAC Arena