Three of the four NBL26 playoff slots have been filled and the last one will be decided on Saturday night when the Perth Wildcats play host to Melbourne United from 8pm AEDT. The Wildcats had the better record during the regular season and will head into this do-or-die clash as favourites, but United will be confident they can cause the upset. We bring you our full preview and best bet below!
And if you’re looking for a bookmaker to place your NBL bets on this season, look no further than Dabble – The official wagering partner of the NBL!
Wildcats vs United Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Play-In Game
The Hungry Jack’s NBL26 postseason delivers a winner-takes-all Play-In Game at RAC Arena. Fourth-placed Perth Wildcats welcome fifth-placed Melbourne United at 8:00pm AEDT. The victor advances to a best-of-three semi-final series against the top-seeded Sydney Kings, while the defeated side bows out of the playoffs.
Perth stumbled in their Seeding Qualifier, falling 94-111 to South East Melbourne Phoenix, but they remain a powerhouse with a 21-12 regular season mark and elite defence (86.1 points allowed per game). They are battle-tested at home (12-4 at RAC Arena) and boast a versatile core led by Kristian Doolittle (All-NBL First Team, 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists), who anchors both ends. Dylan Windler provides shooting range, David Duke Jr. brings guard play and scoring, Elijah Pepper adds perimeter energy, and Jo Lual-Acuil delivers rim protection and rebounding (17.1 points, 6.3 boards).
Melbourne punched their ticket here with an 82-68 grind-out win over Tasmania JackJumpers in the Play-In Qualifier. They finished the regular season in awkward fashion but remain deadly when all their key pieces click. Finn Delany exploded for 33 points in the win over the JackJumpers (averaging 10.8 points this season, but capable of big nights), while Milton Doyle usually runs the show (16.2 points, 4.3 assists). Chris Goulding remains a lethal shooter from deep, and Jesse Edwards is more than capable of controlling the paint (13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds).
The head-to-heads this season were intense, low-scoring battles. Melbourne edged Perth 74-73 at RAC Arena in January, highlighting United's clutch gene against the Wildcats' defence. Both teams prioritise physicality and possessions, with Perth slowing the pace and forcing turnovers, while Melbourne counters with transition scoring and outside shooting. Expect another tight, defensive slugfest where rebounding and free throws decide it.
Perth enter as slight favourites at home with their defensive edge, but Melbourne's momentum from the Tasmania win, deeper bench options, and proven ability to upset in Perth make this razor-close. United's experience in elimination games and scoring punch should keep them within striking distance throughout.
Melbourne United +4.5
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Wildcats vs United Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2026
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Location: RAC Arena, Perth
Odds: Wildcats $1.52 vs United $2.55
Line: Wildcats –4.5
Points: 175.5
Where to Watch Wildcats vs United
You can watch the Wildcats vs United live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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