How to watch & talking points: Perth v Cairns

22 Jan 2026

perth wildcats

cairns taipans

The in-form Perth Wildcats host the Cairns Taipans in an entertaining Round 18 clash at RAC Arena.

Perth Wildcats (5th) v Cairns Taipans (9th)
Thursday, January 22, 9.30pm AEDT
RAC Arena

How to watch‍

‍Watch every game live on ESPN.

>> How to watch ESPN

Tickets

>> Ticketing information

How to follow & live scores

‍Live scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.

>> Visit Game Centre | Download the free NBL App now

Talking points

No point guard, no problem
The Wildcats' deadline decision last week became the hottest talking point around the league and in the end, they have decided to not add another import and rather stick with the group they have.

With Ben Henshall coming off one of his best performances as the stand-in point guard, Perth managed to come away with an important win in front of the Red Army and now look to add to that on Thursday night.

David Duke Jr is expected to return over the next couple of weeks, which will only strengthen their squad as they look to push towards a championship.

The future starts now
The Cairns Taipans are out of the Finals picture and that means they can turn their attention to spoiling some parties for teams in the hunt like the Wildcats.

While they have nothing to lose, the majority of this Taipans roster is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and every opportunity to play now, becomes an audition.

Playing the Taipans down the stretch is certainly not going to be easy and a team full of hungry players with nothing to lose can be dangerous.

What they're saying

Perth coach John Rillie on the recovery of David Duke Jr:
“He is getting closer. He’s got some testing coming up.

“Once he hits a point with the testing, and that is his strength, it really comes down to what he can handle with the physicality of a game. It’s certainly sooner rather than later.

“Once he passes the strength test, it is all systems go as long, as bouncing a basketball, taking a bump, and all of those types of things he is okay with. It is strictly like a day-by-day situation. It is close.”

Cairns guard Andrew Andrews on his first season in the NBL:
"I love the league, I love the play style, I love the teams, the competitiveness.

"I have really enjoyed my time here at Cairns to be honest with you.

"For sure, I will give the league another shot."