Perth Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix Clash in NBL25 Finals

PERTH, Australia — The NBL25 Finals tip off on Tuesday night with a pivotal matchup between the Perth Wildcats and the South East Melbourne Phoenix at 9:30 PM AEDT at RAC Arena. The winning team will advance directly to the semi-finals against Melbourne United, while the losing team will face a do-or-die battle against either the Sydney Kings or the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday.

Both teams are coming off solid regular seasons with the Wildcats securing a third-place finish with an 18-11 record, which includes victories in their last three games and eight wins in the final ten matches. The Phoenix finished fourth at 16-13 but struggled towards the end of the regular season, winning only two of their last five games after a promising four-game winning streak.

Perth’s success this season has largely been attributed to the performance of Bryce Cotton, who was awarded the league MVP for the second consecutive year—a remarkable fifth time in his career. Cotton’s contributions were recognized as he was named to the All-NBL First Team, emphasizing his key role in the Wildcats’ offense.

The Phoenix, meanwhile, boast their own standout in Matt Hurt, who also made the All-NBL First Team and was among the top three in MVP voting. One concern for the Phoenix players is the status of Derrick Walton Jr., a vital playmaker who has been sidelined for a month due to injury. His availability remains uncertain as updates are expected closer to the game.

Looking at recent matchups, the Wildcats have a favorable history against the Phoenix, winning three of their four encounters this season—most recently, a thrilling one-point victory just 11 days ago in Perth where they overcame a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter.

Statistically, the Wildcats have demonstrated impressive offensive capabilities, ranking second in the league with an average of 100.1 points per game, although their defense is a concern, allowing 96.9 points per contest—the second most in the league. The Phoenix rank third offensively with 96.1 points per game while conceding 91.6 points, the fifth-most in the NBL.

With a strong home crowd expected to rally behind them and a solid finals track record, the Wildcats will enter this match with confidence. Cotton’s experience in high-pressure situations may provide a significant advantage for them, while their ability to maintain performance over four quarters will be critical to securing a semi-final berth. Conversely, the Phoenix will need key contributions from Hurt and potentially Walton Jr. to bolster their chances.

As the NBL25 Finals commence, all eyes will be on whether the Wildcats can continue their momentum or if the Phoenix can rally for a crucial victory.