Doolittle ruled out of Kings clash

Perth Wildcats star Kristian Doolittle will miss Saturday night’s clash with the Sydney Kings with a foot injury.

Doolittle has been central to Perth’s four-game winning streak, averaging 15.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists this season, including 9 assists in last round’s win over the New Zealand Breakers.

Nominated Replacement Player Jimmy Whitt will come into the line-up, while Development Player Marley Sam has also travelled and will be active.

It’s another hit for a Wildcats side already without marquee big man Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (calf), on their first road trip of NBL27. Newly signed point guard Brandon Knight, set to play just his second game for the club, will be asked to take on more of the playmaking load.

The absence robs Doolittle of a shot at payback against the side that swept Perth out of last season’s Playoffs, with the forward admitting on Wednesday the loss still stung.

“Personally, any team that stops me from getting a championship, I’ll essentially, I’ll never forgive them,” he said.

Tip-off is from 7:30pm AEDT on Saturday at Afterpay Arena, live on ESPN, 9 (Sydney, Perth), 9Go! (other states) and 9Now.