Final Day Drama Explained

Saturday, February 4, 2023

The Hungry Jack's NBL Finals picture won't be decided until the last day of the season on Sunday, after the Perth Wildcats fell to the Cairns Taipans, 84-71, on Friday night.

The result sets up a tantalising Sunday double-header, when Melbourne United hosts the Adelaide 36ers and the Wildcats host the top of the ladder Sydney Kings.

If Melbourne wins, and Perth loses, United will finish sixth and make the Finals.

If Perth wins, and Melbourne loses, then it will be the Wildcats who advance to the post-season.

Adelaide needs to beat Melbourne, and needs Sydney to beat Perth later in the day to have any chance of making the Finals.

If that occurs, the 36ers' Finals fate will come down to percentage.

The win was also an important one for the Taipans, as they jump back to second place. If the New Zealand Breakers lose to the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday, Cairns will remain second. If the Breakers win, they will finish second.

If the Tasmania JackJumpers defeat the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday, they will lock up fourth place.

Thanks to their strong percentage, it is unlikely the South East Melbourne Phoenix drops out of the top six.