Analysis · Australian NBL, round 8 preview
Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings: second meets third at the top of the NBL
Second-placed Perth host third-placed Sydney, who won the first meeting 102-81. Here is how both sides arrive, how they play and who to watch.
SF, Perth · 2026/2027, averages
Dylan Windler
- Points
- 17
- Rebounds
- 7.1
- Assists
- 3.4
- TKR
- 98.2
Source: TeamKeys, 2026/2027
What does Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings mean for the top of the NBL?
It is a meeting of the second and third teams in the Australian NBL, so the result will reshape the top of the table in round 8. Perth sit second at 5-2 and Sydney third at 5-3.
The rematch adds an edge, because Sydney beat Perth 102-81 on 17 October in the only meeting so far this season. Perth now have the chance to answer that result on their own floor.
There is individual quality on show as well. Perth carry Dylan Windler and Kristian Doolittle, both inside the top five of the league by TeamKeys Rating.
How do Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings arrive?
Perth arrive in steadier form, with a last-five run of W W W L W, while Sydney come in at L L W W L. The table is tight, but the recent momentum sits with the home side.
Perth's latest game was a 103-102 home win over Melbourne, a result that kept their run going. Before that came the 102-81 defeat in Sydney and a 100-84 home win over the NZ Breakers.
Sydney's week has been mixed. They won 108-82 at Illawarra on 22 October, then lost 105-95 at Melbourne on 25 October.
| Stat | Perth | Sydney |
|---|---|---|
| Position | 2/10 | 3/10 |
| Won-lost | 5-2 | 5-3 |
| Points per game | 92.9 | 101.1 |
| Points allowed per game | 95.1 | 90.3 |
| Offensive rating | 116.2 (3) | 121.6 (2) |
| Defensive rating | 118.3 (9) | 108.3 (1) |
| Pace | 80.2 (8) | 83.2 (6) |
| Last five | W W W L W | L L W W L |
Perth Wildcats vs Sydney Kings stats: which numbers separate them?
Defence is the clearest divide: Sydney have the best defensive rating in the league at 108.3, while Perth rank 9th of 10 at 118.3. Sydney allow 90.3 points per game, Perth concede 95.1.
Both sides can score, which keeps the contrast interesting. Sydney rank 2nd in offensive rating at 121.6 and average 101.1 points; Perth are 3rd at 116.2 with 92.9 points per game.
The pace numbers are closer. Sydney play at 83.2 possessions, 6th in the league, while Perth sit 8th at 80.2, so the tempo battle is worth watching early.
| Player | Points per game | TeamKeys Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Dylan Windler (Perth) | 17 | 98.2 |
| Kristian Doolittle (Perth) | 16.5 | 96.4 |
| Elijah Pepper (Perth) | 20.1 | 69.1 |
| Xavier Cooks (Sydney) | 13.6 | 93.6 |
| Andrew Carr (Sydney) | 12.4 | 92.7 |
| Torrey Craig (Sydney) | 18.3 | 89.1 |
Who are the players to watch in Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings?
Dylan Windler is the player to watch: he ranks 3rd in the league by TeamKeys Rating and averages 17 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists. His recent scoring reads 32, 19 and 10 points.
Kristian Doolittle, 5th by TeamKeys Rating, adds 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists as a playmaking forward. Elijah Pepper is the top scorer of Perth's trio at 20.1 points, though his recent games swing from 25 to 0 to 22.
The duel to follow is Windler against Torrey Craig, who averages 18.3 points and 7.1 rebounds for Sydney. Craig arrives in steady form, with 26, 22 and 22 points in his recent games.
Sydney also bring Xavier Cooks, 8th by TeamKeys Rating, and Andrew Carr, 9th with 9.6 rebounds per game. Perth need stops against the league's 2nd-ranked attack, while Sydney need their top-ranked defence to slow Windler and Doolittle.
All figures are from the 2026/2027 Australian NBL regular season, taken before the round 8 game on 28 October.
Questions people ask
When did Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings last meet?
They met on 17 October 2026, when Sydney Kings beat Perth Wildcats 102-81 at home. It is the only meeting between the sides so far this season, and the round 8 game gives Perth their first chance to respond.
Where are Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings in the NBL table?
Perth Wildcats are second in the 10-team Australian NBL with a 5-2 record, and Sydney Kings are third at 5-3. Both sit in the top four, so this round 8 game directly shapes the top of the standings.
Who is Perth's key player against Sydney Kings?
Dylan Windler is the player to watch for Perth Wildcats. The small forward ranks 3rd in the league by TeamKeys Rating and averages 17 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists, with recent outings of 32, 19 and 10 points.
Which team has the better defence, Perth or Sydney?
Sydney Kings have the best defensive rating in the Australian NBL at 108.3 and allow 90.3 points per game. Perth Wildcats rank 9th of 10 with a defensive rating of 118.3 and concede 95.1 points per game.
Keep reading
Cole Anthony's 30 points carry Melbourne United past Sydney Kings
Anthony added 9 assists and 6 rebounds in 33 minutes as Melbourne won 105-95, with Josh Oduro scoring 27 off the bench.
Doolittle and a 26-23 fourth quarter carry Perth past Melbourne
Kristian Doolittle's 23 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists helped Perth Wildcats edge Melbourne United 103-102 in round 8 of the Australian NBL.
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