Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie says Sydney Kings Friday night showdown is the club’s perfect litmus test

Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie has declared arch rivals Sydney Kings are the rightful title favourites and believes Friday night’s blockbuster will be an early litmus test for his team. Rillie, who worked both as a player and an assistant coach under legendary Kings boss Brian Goorjian, has warned every player on Sydney’s roster is a scoring threat. Jaylen Adams and returning big Xavier Cooks led the way for the Kings in a rollicking HoopsFest victory over Adelaide on Sunday where they put up 102 points — the equal-second biggest tally of the weekend. “Their team, rightly so, title favourites right now,” Rillie said. “So for us to get tested this early on in the season is just a good litmus test for us.” Wildcats young gun Ben Henshall skipped training on Thursday with illness and will be given until the 11th hour to prove he is right to play. Rillie said the key for his side will be slowing the Kings’ down in offence. “Talent all over the floor — one through five — the pace that they want to play the game at, that’s going to be the battle for us,” he said. “Can we consistently slow them down so they can’t play at that relentless pace that they want to manufacture.” The Wildcats took an early leap in their rebounding game in their first-up win over South East Melbourne. It was an issue that plagued them this season, but Rillie was pleased with their work on the boards after the addition of former NBA player Dylan Windler. Kristian Doolittle grabbed 13 rebounds and Windler had 10. Perth beat the Phoenix 48-39. “You saw the benefits of Windler and Doolittle when they pursue it with the aggression they did,” Rillie said. “Both in double figures, which is probably the first time in my time here we’ve had multiple guys in double figures. “We need some more guys to join in on that party this weekend, that’s for sure. “Kristian, I think people are finally realising how important he is to our team, particularly at the defensive end with his versatility.” Rillie said he appreciated his team’s three straight matches at RAC Arena to start the season and is a fan of the HoopsFest concept, but believes it could be tinkered with. He says that could include pushing the event back to separate it from the NBL Blitz pre-season tournament and lobbing it in school holidays. “I love the concept. You have got to do something the first time to get better at it,” Rillie said. “I think the NBL can only grow the concept and tinker with the things that can get better. “For me, doing the Blitz and then straight into it, that would be maybe finding the timing of it where it can be utilised — like it’s school holidays this week here in WA, you might be able to get some more fans to it when it’s school holidays.” The Kings have stayed in Perth for the week between their Sunday victory and Friday’s clash.