The NBL playoff equation has gone down to the final game of the regular season for a second straight year – and once again, the once-mighty Perth Wildcats control their destiny.
But after losing to the Phoenix in the last game of last season to end their 35-year streak of making the playoffs, they must do something even more difficult this year.
If the Wildcats beat the title favourites Sydney Kings by 11 points or more, they will sneak into sixth ahead of Melbourne United.
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However United, who beat Adelaide 116-107 earlier today, will finish sixth and battle their cross-town rivals Phoenix in the Play-In Qualifier game if any other result occurs.
United and the 36ers traded the lead late into their game at John Cain Arena before the home side pulled ahead in the final moments, with a last-second bucket potentially to prove crucial.
Perth lost a crucial game to Cairns earlier this weekend which forced them into this difficult scenario.
NBL LADDER
1. Sydney Kings (19-8, +223 points 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)
Eliminated: Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets, Illawarra Hawks
NBL PLAYOFFS BRACKET AS IT STANDS
Play-In Qualifier
#6 Melbourne United at #5 S.E. Melbourne Phoenix
Seeding Qualifier
#4 Tasmania JackJumpers at #3 Cairns Taipans
Play-In Game
United/Phoenix winner at JackJumpers/Taipans loser
Semi-Finals
Play-In Game winner at #1 Sydney Kings
JackJumpers/Taipans winner at #2 New Zealand Breakers
