Adelaide 36ers Star Bryce Cotton Ruled Out of Perth Wildcats Clash Due to Back Soreness
Adelaide 36ers standout Bryce Cotton will miss a pivotal NBL game against his former side, the Perth Wildcats, after being sidelined with back soreness. The 36ers confirmed that the league's top scorer will not play in Friday night's matchup at RAC Arena, a contest with significant implications for both teams' final ladder standings.
Impact on Ladder Positions and Playoff Scenarios
As the regular season concludes, the Perth Wildcats currently hold fourth place, tied in wins with fifth-ranked Melbourne United. A victory would secure the Wildcats a spot in the seeding qualifier, while a narrow loss might allow them to retain fourth position. However, a defeat by approximately 10 points or more could drop them to fifth, forcing them into a sudden-death play-in game.
Meanwhile, the Adelaide 36ers, who led the ladder for much of the season, have slipped behind the Sydney Kings on percentage, with both teams boasting identical 23-9 win-loss records. Cotton's absence adds uncertainty to their final push for top seeding.
Bryce Cotton's Season Highlights and Emotional Returns
Earlier this season, Cotton made an emotional return to his former home court in Perth, orchestrating a remarkable 36ers comeback from a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter. He delivered an impressive performance with 21 points and 12 assists, showcasing his clutch playmaking abilities.
Last month, as part of Hoopsfest, Cotton returned west again and scored 30 points in a loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Having won the NBL's Most Valuable Player award five times during his tenure with the Wildcats, Cotton is widely regarded as the frontrunner to claim the honor for a sixth time this season, thanks to his standout play in his new Adelaide colors.
The absence of such a key player underscores the high stakes of this final regular-season clash, with both teams vying for optimal playoff positioning in a tightly contested NBL campaign.
