Perth Wildcats receive double injury boost as David Duke Jr and Sunday Dech return for Brisbane clash
Perth Wildcats NBL 2026 Great injury news for clash against Brisbane
The Perth Wildcats have received a massive boost on the eve of their Round 21 clash with Brisbane at RAC Arena. Guard David Duke Jr and Sunday Dech have both been cleared to make their returns from injury, providing crucial reinforcements as the team battles to secure their playoff position.
🚨 TEAM UPDATE 🚨
Both David Duke Jr. and Sunday Dech are returning to the roster for tomorrow nights home game at RAC Arena vs the Brisbane Bullets. pic.twitter.com/ckVohnkB7a
— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) February 12, 2026
American Duke Jr, who is averaging 12.8 points, 3.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game, has been sidelined since Round 14 with an elbow injury. The guard will suit up for the first time since December 28, offering Perth a significant offensive weapon in their push toward the championship.
Mixed news for Wildcats rotation
While Duke Jr’s return provides a timely boost, an injury to rising young talent Ben Henshall has tempered some of that excitement. The club confirmed that Henshall will miss the clash with the Brisbane Bullets due to an ankle injury and will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Sydney.
In Duke Jr’s absence, Henshall and Elijah Pepper have stepped up impressively. The young guard has hit double-figure scoring in seven straight games, lifting his output when the Wildcats have needed it most. Sunday Dech also returns from illness for the must-win contest, while only Jaron Rillie remains unavailable due to hamstring injury.
Perth currently sits fourth on the NBL ladder, locked in a tense battle to avoid the Play-In with Melbourne United closing fast over the final three games. The Wildcats face a Brisbane side that has received their own boost, with star big man Tyrell Harrison returning from concussion after being sidelined since Round 15.
The matchup with the Bullets tips off at 9.30pm AEDT on Friday night, live on ESPN, as both teams look to address their respective challenges in the final stretch of the regular season.
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