NBL playoffs race goes down to final game as Melbourne thriller forces Perth into brutal reality

Basketball

Published 05.02.2023

NBL playoffs race goes down to final game as Melbourne thriller forces Perth into brutal reality

The NBL playoff equation has gone right down to the ultimate sport of the common season for a second straight yr – and as soon as once more, the once-mighty Perth Wildcats management their future.

But after dropping to the Phoenix within the final sport of final season to finish their 35-year streak of creating the playoffs, they need to do one thing much more tough this yr.

If the Wildcats beat the title favourites Sydney Kings by 11 factors or extra, they may sneak into sixth forward of Melbourne United.

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However United, who beat Adelaide 116-107 earlier as we speak, will end sixth and battle their cross-town rivals Phoenix within the Play-In Qualifier sport if every other end result happens.

United and the 36ers traded the lead late into their sport at John Cain Arena earlier than the house aspect pulled forward within the remaining moments, with a last-second bucket probably to show essential.

Perth misplaced an important sport to Cairns earlier this weekend which compelled them into this tough situation.

NBL LIVE LADDER

1. Sydney Kings* (19-8, +223 factors differential)

2. New Zealand Breakers (18-10, +177)

3. Cairns Taipans (18-10, +79)

4. Tasmania JackJumpers (16-12, +80)

5. S.E. Melbourne Phoenix (15-13, +41)

6. Melbourne United (15-13, +10)

7. Perth Wildcats* (14-13, 0)

* = Still to play

Eliminated: Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets, Illawarra Hawks

NBL PLAYOFFS BRACKET AS IT STANDS