Bruce wary of Wildcats bounce back

Sydney Kings guard Shaun Bruce expects the Perth Wildcats to be back to their best when the sides meet in a top of the table clash at RAC Arena on Saturday night.

Perth suffered a 77-67 loss to Melbourne United in the opening game of round 18 on Wednesday, in a lacklustre performance without import Terrico White (soreness).

Bruce anticipates a strong contest against the second placed Wildcats, with Perth having won the past two battles against the ladder leaders.

"Obviously they had a rough night shooting (against Melbourne), but against us they have been quite the opposite, they have found a way to get hot," he said.

"I don't think we will be lulled in to any false sense of security that they can't shoot the ball anymore, we'll be dialled in to their shooters as much as we can and trying to force them in to some shots we want them to take."

A win for the Kings will almost certainly confirm top spot, giving them home court advantage for a semi-final and Grand Final series should they qualify.

The 29 year old former Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers player was confident his side would close out the regular season well.

"I think history has shown in the NBL if you can have home court advantage it goes a long way towards winning (the title)."

"We're definitely playing to secure that top spot as I'm sure the Wildcats are as well, that's what makes the teams playing each other so late in the season so exciting."

Tip off is at 5:00 PM AWST on Saturday, with the game broadcast on 91.3 Sport FM courtesy of SWR999 sport.

IMAGE: The Wimmera Mail-Times.