How to watch & talking points: Brisbane v Perth

01 Jan 2026

brisbane bullets

perth wildcats

The Perth Wildcats will look to rebound during a New Year's Day clash with the Bullets at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Brisbane Bullets (9th) vs Perth Wildcats (5th)
Thursday, January 1, 7.30pm AEDT
Brisbane Entertainment Centre

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Talking points

JLA watch
The Wildcats have been struggling and when that happens, issues get magnified throughout.

One of the big concerns right now has been watching Jo Lual-Acuil Jr's frustration with his lack of touches down low.

As one of the premier big men in the competition, the Wildcats need to find a way to better utilise their marquee big man and get the most out of him.

Part of that will come with the return of Jaron Rillie as their point guard, but it's an issue that everyone can help solve in their offensive structure.

Is McDonald the guy?
NBL legend and Bullets interim coach Darryl McDonald, made a powerful statement in the press conference on Tuesday, by stating that he wants the top job going forward.

While that is out of his control in terms of the ultimate decision, what will help his chances is his team stepping up and delivering for him to finish the season.

The way the Bullets played against United and their win over the Breakers, is exactly what they need going forward and more consistently.

What they're saying

Bullets interim head coach Darryl McDonald on the club's search for their next head coach:
‍“They [Brisbane's decision makers] think a big name is going to come in and change things, then if that's what they think then OK, but they've got somebody already in the seat and I can get it done if you give me the opportunity, and you give me what I want and don't make decisions.

"If you give me what I want, I'll win in this league and I know I can because I've been there and done that."

Wildcats coach John Rillie on how his team will cover the loss of David Duke Jr.:
“I go back to the Tasmania game where David was here but he didn’t get to play. There is more responsibility on Jaron [Rillie], [Elijah] Pepper, Henshall, Sunday, Lat and those guys.

“You talk about Jo, Doo and Windler, it gives them great responsibiuty and ownership about what’s going on with our team.”