The second game of Thursday’s NBL double-header sees the Perth Wildcats host the Adelaide 36ers, with the Wildcats looking to bounce back after a heavy loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix last week.
Perth are still without import Brandon Knight, who has yet to arrive in Australia. The game will also see former Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson return to Perth, this time coaching against the club where he won five NBL championships.
The 36ers will have their own concerns heading into the matchup, with Flynn Cameron, Isaac Humphries and Bul Kuol all ruled out, while John Jenkins remains a game-time decision. With both sides dealing with important absences, the second game of the double-header should provide plenty of interest at RAC Arena.
Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers Prediction for Thursday, September 24th 2026.
Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers
Venue – RAC Arena
Tip Off – 7.30pm WST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 |
| Adelaide | 1-0 | 0-0 | 1-0 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth | 79 | 100 | 179 |
| Adelaide | 97 | 95 | 192 |
Prediction
The Perth Wildcats have won seven of their past eight home games against the Adelaide 36ers and get another opportunity to make home-court advantage count in this matchup. Adelaide come into the game with some injury concerns affecting key role players, which could make life difficult against a Perth side desperate to respond after a disappointing opening-round loss.
The 36ers managed to get out of trouble against Melbourne United last week, with big performances from star players Bryce Cotton and Zylan Cheatham helping them get over the line. Adelaide have plenty of firepower and a proven coach in Trevor Gleeson, but Perth’s star players actually showed some promising signs despite the heavy loss to the Phoenix.
With the Wildcats back at RAC Arena and looking to get their season rolling, this shapes up as an interesting bounce-back opportunity. Adelaide have the guns to make it difficult, but Perth will be keen to put last week behind them and produce a much stronger performance in front of their home crowd.