DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix take on Wildcats to advance straight to Playoffs

Key Details

PERTH WILDCATS (18-11) 3rd v. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (16-13) 4th
Where: Perth HPC
When: Tuesday, February 11 at 9:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

After starting the season 0-5, the Phoenix have had a historic turnaround in the Hungry Jack’s NBL25 regular season to finish in fourth position, locking in a double-chance in the Finals Series.

Josh King’s side tied the Throwdown series against crosstown rivals Melbourne United in their 10-point loss on Saturday night to close out the regular season, and finding out their opposition will be the Wildcats for the Seeding Qualifier.

Point guard Angus Glover will also suit up for his 150th NBL game in tonight's final.

This will be Phoenix’s third trip to Perth this NBL25 season, chasing their first win in the West though they’ll play on the Perth HPC court with RAC Arena deemed unavailable.  

John Rillie’s side finished their NBL25 season with an eight-point win over the 36ers and locking in a home final for the first final.

The winner of the Seeding Qualifier will advance to the Playoffs series against Melbourne United, while the loser will take on the winner of the Play In Qualifier between Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Derrick Walton Jr won’t be available for the Play In tournament. Rehab on his hamstring is progressing well and he is on track for a return in the Play Offs. Luke Rosendale will remain in the team in his absence.

Wildcats

The Wildcats go in unchanged into the Seeding Qualifier.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Shutting down the MVP

The NBL25 MVP Bryce Cotton is a task for whenever you meet the Perth Wildcats. Even if he has a quiet start, the point guard can turn it around and shoot the lights out. It’s not only a guard task but a whole team’s task to minimise the impact the league leader in points can do on the court, especially when the stakes are high in the game and in front of a packed Red Army crowd.

SOB👌Y! 🔥

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/TBwploVfCE

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) January 31, 2025

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 8-13 Wildcats

Last time out – Rd 19, NBL25
Phoenix 99-100 Wildcats

Phoenix
Hurt 19p
Ayre 14p
Hunter 13p

Wildcats
Cotton 29p
Pinder 22p
Doolittle 17p