Perth centre Matt Knight faces the possibility of missing the start of the Wildcats' grand final series after a NBL game review panel ruling.
The panel has reviewed an incident from Friday night's game two of the Wildcats' successful semi-final series against the Cairns Taipans in Perth.
The incident involving Knight occurred with only 33 seconds left in the match, with the panel determining the action by the centre warranted a charge of unduly rough play.
The charge has been classified in accordance with the NBL tribunal guidelines as intentional, high contact with medium impact. This carries a base penalty of a two-game suspension.
However, under the guidelines, the panel on Tuesday determined that the base penalty is too severe in the circumstances and the matter has been referred directly to the independent tribunal for a hearing and final decision on a penalty.
That hearing is set for Wednesday (February 22) at 7:00pm (AEDT).
With the Wildcats into their 13th grand final series after sweeping the Taipans 2-0 in the semi-finals, Perth would sorely miss Knight - even if it just for game one.
Perth have played in five of the past seven finals, winning three, including two of the past three.
And coach Trevor Gleeson says he can feel the hunger building inside the squad yet again.
"We have been to the top of the mountain and we know what it takes to get there," Gleeson said.
"There are signs in our team and indications that we're heading down that path.
"That's why it is so exciting - we're still playing great basketball and now we have a five-game series to see if we're the best team in the league."
Perth have to wait until Thursday night to learn who they will meet in the finals series, when the Adelaide 36ers host the Illawarra Hawks in the deciding third game of their semi-final showdown.
The best-of-five game finals series will begin on Monday February 27.
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