Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans Tips & Predictions - Round 18 NBL26
The Perth Wildcats will look to extend their winning streak and continue their late-season surge when they host the Cairns Taipans at RAC Arena on Thursday night.
Tip-off is set for 9:30pm AEDT, with the Wildcats heavily favoured against a Cairns side struggling badly on the defensive end and dealing with key personnel absences.With Perth’s big men in outstanding form and Cairns undermanned in the paint, this shapes as a one-sided contest.
Match Details: Wildcats vs Taipans
Competition: NBL26 – Round 18
Match: Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans
Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
Tip-off: 9:30 PM AEDT
Venue: RAC Arena, Perth
Best Betting Tips – Wildcats vs Taipans
Perth Wildcats -9.5
Perth are riding a four-game winning streak and have rediscovered their offensive rhythm at the right time of the season. This matchup strongly favours the Wildcats, who do their best work inside the arc — precisely where Cairns are most vulnerable without Sam Waardenburg.
Cairns have lost five straight games by 15 points or more, and with Perth averaging nearly 100 points per game over their last four outings, covering a 9.5-point spread at home looks well within reach.
Perth Wildcats Over 94.5 Team Points
The Wildcats’ offence is humming again, averaging 98.25 points per game across their last four matches. Against a Taipans defence conceding the second-most points in the league, Perth should have little trouble pushing past this team total.
With Cairns defending the three-point line well but offering minimal resistance in the paint, Perth’s interior scoring should dictate the tempo.
Kristian Doolittle 20+ Points
Kristian Doolittle has returned to his early-season form after a brief mid-season dip, averaging 20.83 points across his last six games. He has also increased his involvement around the rim, collecting double-digit rebounds in his last two outings.
Against a Cairns side lacking size, Doolittle should again see heavy usage and plenty of high-percentage looks.
Jo Lual-Acuil 20+ Points
Jo Lual-Acuil has dominated this matchup all season, averaging 27 points per game in two meetings against the Taipans. Without Waardenburg, Cairns simply do not have the personnel to slow him down in the paint.
Expect Perth to lean heavily on Lual-Acuil early and often.
Key Matchup to Watch
Perth’s Interior Offence vs Cairns’ Undersized Frontcourt
Cairns are elite at defending the three-point line, but that strength only highlights their glaring weakness inside. Perth rank near the top of the league in rebounding and interior scoring, and with two elite bigs operating at peak confidence, this matchup tilts heavily in the Wildcats’ favour.