Brisbane assistant coach CJ Bruton says Perth rival Trevor Gleeson's inflammatory comments are just diversionary tactics ahead of their NBL semi-final series opener on Thursday.
A three-time championship winner with the Wildcats, Gleeson lit the fuse on Friday when he accused the Bullets of illegal tactics.
"They're very physical. They set a lot of illegal screens on the ball, which we're going to have to navigate through," Gleeson said.
When asked to clarify whether he said legal or illegal, Gleeson replied: "I think illegal, but it's not illegal until the umpire calls it."
Bruton laughed off the claims and hinted that the minor premiers may be feeling the pressure given their injury concerns and record against the Bullets this season.
"They know we've added depth to our squad, they've had a couple of injuries on their side of the fence and that's one way he feels he'll make an impact, by telling that story to the fans," he said.
"It's great to have that from a media standpoint, but the players will dictate what goes on on the floor, and the outcome."
Perth and Brisbane split their regular season series 2-2, with the Wildcats heading into the finals with injury clouds over Terrico White (wrist), Greg Hire (shoulder), and Mitch Norton (calf).
White and Hire are both likely to play, while Bullets shooting guard Cameron Gliddon also trained strongly after missing the last game with back soreness.
Jason Cadee stepped up in his absence and is keen to deliver again on Thursday after Gleeson stoked the fire.
"It's one of the better places to play; you roll in, there's red everywhere and they really get into it," he said.
"Trev will do what he has to do to get the refs to help them.
"We play the right way, we know that and if he's making points about illegal screens then they'll watch out for Gus's (centre Angus Brandt) big screens (too)."
